Docker Compose misleading permission denied error hides root cause for docker socket access

What this error means

docker compose up shows 'read <pwd>: is a directory' instead of 'permission denied while trying to connect to the docker API' is a Docker failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix docker compose error message so it shows the real permission-denied-for-docker-socket error instead of misleading ‘is a directory’. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Docker Compose #13649 (2026-03-20): User lacks docker socket permissions; docker ps shows correct error, but docker compose up masks it with ‘read : is a directory’. Confusing debugging for enterprise DevOps teams. Category: Docker (Compose v5.1.1). Not covered — different signature than existing Docker permission denied entry.

Common causes

• Docker Compose #13649 (2026-03-20): User lacks docker socket permissions; docker ps shows correct error, but docker compose up masks it with ‘read : is a directory’. Confusing debugging for enterprise DevOps teams. Category: Docker (Compose v5.1.1). Not covered — different signature than existing Docker permission denied entry.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches docker compose up shows 'read <pwd>: is a directory' instead of 'permission denied while trying to connect to the docker API'.
2. Check the Docker account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://github.com/docker/compose/issues/13649

Evidence note: Docker Compose #13649 (2026-03-20): User lacks docker socket permissions; docker ps shows correct error, but docker compose up masks it with ‘read : is a directory’. Confusing debugging for enterprise DevOps teams. Category: Docker (Compose v5.1.1). Not covered — different signature than existing Docker permission denied entry.

Related errors

• Docker

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact docker compose up shows 'read <pwd>: is a directory' instead of 'permission denied while trying to connect to the docker API' text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed Docker workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without docker compose up shows 'read <pwd>: is a directory' instead of 'permission denied while trying to connect to the docker API'.