unpause_container · Docker MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What unpause_container does on Docker MCP Server

AI agents invoke unpause_container to trigger actions in Docker MCP Server. 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.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why unpause_container needs a policy

Unpausing a container resumes running processes inside it, which constitutes triggering external operations. While it doesn't delete data, it causes potentially arbitrary code to resume execution within the container environment, placing it in the Execute category. Misuse could resume malicious or unintended workloads.

From the tool's definition 'Unpause all processes within a container' — resumes execution of previously paused container processes

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

unpause_container Rate-limited

unpause_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": {
    "unpause_container": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "unpause_container_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Docker MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about unpause_container

What does the unpause_container tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on unpause_container? +

Register the Docker MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for unpause_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 MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is unpause_container? +

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

Can I rate-limit unpause_container? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the unpause_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 unpause_container completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for unpause_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 unpause_container? +

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