What this error means

/__w/_temp/_runner_file_commands/set_env_XXXX: Permission denied is a GitHub Actions failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix container jobs failing with permission denied errors after upgrading github actions runner from v2.330.0 to v2.332.0, especially with non-root container users on arc/kubernetes. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

GitHub issue #4302 on actions/runner opened Mar 16, 2026. Upgrading ARC runners to v2.332.0 causes UID mismatches between runner and job containers. Root cause: Ubuntu 22.04→24.04 base image change (git 2.43+ stricter safe.directory) and container hooks v0.8.1 breaking workspace ownership. Blocks all container-based CI/CD with non-root users. Category: GitHub Actions (official repo).

Common causes

  • GitHub issue #4302 on actions/runner opened Mar 16, 2026. Upgrading ARC runners to v2.332.0 causes UID mismatches between runner and job containers. Root cause: Ubuntu 22.04→24.04 base image change (git 2.43+ stricter safe.directory) and container hooks v0.8.1 breaking workspace ownership. Blocks all container-based CI/CD with non-root users. Category: GitHub Actions (official repo).

Quick fixes

  1. Confirm the exact error signature matches /__w/_temp/_runner_file_commands/set_env_XXXX: Permission denied.
  2. Check the GitHub Actions 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.