The article discusses the challenges developers face when building and using tools with the Model Context Protocol (MCP), including issues related to runtime management, security, discoverability, and trust. It highlights how Docker can serve as a reliable MCP runtime, offering a centralized gateway for dynamic tool management, along with features to securely handle sensitive data. The introduction of the Docker MCP Catalog aims to simplify the discovery and distribution of MCP tools for developers and authors alike.

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an emerging standard for connecting large language models to external tools, but it presents significant security vulnerabilities such as prompt injection and orchestration exploits. These vulnerabilities can lead to data exfiltration and system compromise, highlighting the need for robust security precautions and detection methods. The article discusses various attack techniques and provides examples of potential exploits along with recommended defenses.