Can Pure Python Sandboxing Secure Your Web Game?

Sandboxing Python in Pure Python: Exploring Two Approaches

To ensure the security of your web game, you seek to restrict Python scripting to prevent malicious actors from compromising your environment. This article explores two approaches to sandboxing Python in pure Python:

Approach 1: Restricted Environment

By creating a tightly controlled environment with minimal globals, you can execute code within a sandbox. While attractive, this method faces security vulnerabilities as sophisticated attackers have devised techniques to break out of the sandbox.

Approach 2: AST-based Parsing

This approach parses the code and extracts undesirable elements using the ast module. It compiles the remaining code, eliminating unwanted constructs like import statements and function calls. This option is suitable if you intend to use Python as a configuration language with limited functionality.

Additional Options

If these Pythonic solutions do not meet your needs, consider exploring other open-source script interpreters written in pure Python. These interpreters might support variables, basic conditionals, and function calls (minus definitions). The following requirements are essential:

• Variable support
• Basic conditional statements
• Function calls (without definitions)

PyPy Sandbox (GAE Limitations)

Note that PyPy sandbox may not be viable if you utilize Google App Engine (GAE). Despite its reputation as a robust sandbox, its compatibility with GAE remains uncertain.

Recommendation for Your Needs

Given your stated requirements, approach 2 (AST-based parsing) may prove suitable. This approach involves excluding unwanted elements from the code and compiling the remaining components. While it requires technical expertise, it is feasible to implement.

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