stop_container

Stop a Docker container

SERVERDocker SOURCE@ckreiling/mcp-server-docker

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity verified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/docker/stop-container.md

WHAT IT DOES

What stop_container does on Docker

AI agents invoke stop_container to trigger actions in Docker. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call: builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

RISK

Why stop_container is rated High

Stopping a container is an Execute-class action because it triggers an external operation (Docker daemon) with effects dependent on which container is targeted. While not permanently destructive (containers can be restarted), it disrupts service availability and could cause cascading failures in dependent systems.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'stop_container' and description 'Stop a Docker container' indicate execution of a command that halts a running container—an irreversible operational state change.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs stop_container safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Docker, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For stop_container, this is the rule to start with:

stop_container Rate-limited

stop_container stays usable, but rate-capped: a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "stop_container": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "stop_container_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Docker, apply this rule, and every stop_container call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about stop_container

What does the stop_container tool do? +

Stop a Docker container. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Docker MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on stop_container? +

Register the Docker MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for stop_container: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Docker. Nothing to install.

What risk level is stop_container? +

stop_container is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit stop_container? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the stop_container rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block stop_container completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for stop_container. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides stop_container? +

stop_container is provided by the Docker MCP server (@ckreiling/mcp-server-docker). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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