Anthropic’s Claude Code tool recently faced a major issue where a bug in its auto-update function caused system instability and, in some cases, made devices unusable. Reports on GitHub revealed that when installed with high-level system permissions, the tool altered critical file permissions, leading to restricted directories being modified in ways that disrupted normal system operations.
Some users experienced severe failures, requiring them to employ rescue methods to restore their systems. The issue arose due to faulty update commands that changed file access permissions, which determine whether a program or user can modify, read, or execute certain files. As a result, systems where Claude Code was installed with elevated permissions were at risk of severe breakdowns.
One affected user reported that they had to use a “rescue instance” to manually restore their system files after the bug had altered permission settings. The issue sparked concerns among developers and users relying on Claude Code for their coding needs.
Following these reports, Anthropic responded by removing the faulty update commands to prevent further incidents. Additionally, the company provided a troubleshooting guide to help affected users restore their systems. Initially, the troubleshooting link contained a typo, but Anthropic quickly corrected this mistake to ensure accessibility.
The incident highlights the potential risks associated with automated updates, especially when software has deep access to system-level operations. While the bug has been addressed, it raises concerns about the importance of rigorous testing before deploying updates that interact with critical system files.
Anthropic has reassured users that they are taking steps to prevent similar issues in the future, emphasizing their commitment to software stability and security.
