Can Python Be Sandboxed in Pure Python for Secure Web Game Development?

Sandboxing Python in Pure Python: Exploring Options

In the realm of web game development, the desire for dynamic game content often leads to the need for scripting capabilities. However, in Python-based games, allowing untrusted users to execute scripts poses significant security risks. The question arises: can Python be sandboxed in pure Python to mitigate these risks?

Sandbox Approaches for Python

Sandboxing Python in pure Python involves limiting the code's access to the external environment. This can be achieved in two primary ways:

1. Restricted Execution Environment:

This approach creates a restricted environment, limiting globals and other accessible resources. By executing the code within this environment, potentially malicious scripts are prevented from interacting with the underlying system. This is the approach suggested by Messa.

However, this method has limitations. Malicious users may find ways to escape the sandbox through techniques like exception handling or exploiting internal state. Hence, this approach is viable for complete language use but requires careful consideration of security vulnerabilities.

2. Code Parsing and Transformation:

The alternative method involves parsing the code using the 'ast' module. During parsing, undesirable constructs, such as import statements and function calls, are removed. The remaining code is then compiled, ensuring compliance with the sandboxed environment.

This approach is recommended when Python is used as a configuration language or for limited scripting purposes. Scripting requirements can be met, while the risk of malicious code execution is minimized.

Additional Options for Open Source Scripting

If a Pythonic script interpreter is not available, consider exploring alternative open source script interpreters written in pure Python. These interpreters can provide support for variables, basic conditionals, and function calls without definition capabilities.

PyPy Sandbox (Not Viable for GAE)

For a more robust sandboxing solution, the PyPy sandbox may be considered. However, it is not viable in environments like Google App Engine (GAE).

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