A bug in the auto-update function of Anthropic’s Claude Code tool caused serious system issues, making some workstations unstable or even unusable. According to reports on GitHub, the issue affected users who installed the tool with root or superuser access, which grants software the ability to make system-level modifications.
The faulty commands altered access permissions of critical files, leading to major disruptions. In severe cases, this resulted in systems becoming “bricked,” meaning they could no longer function properly. One affected user reported having to use a “rescue instance” to restore file permissions and repair the damage caused by the update.
Anthropic acknowledged the issue and confirmed that it has removed the problematic commands from Claude Code. The company also added a troubleshooting guide to help users who were impacted.
However, there was an initial typo in the provided link, which has now been corrected. The bug raised concerns about software security and the risks of granting extensive system permissions to AI-powered tools. Users rely on stability when integrating such tools into their workflows, and unexpected failures can lead to significant downtime and data loss.
This incident highlights the potential dangers of automated updates, especially when they modify critical system components. Companies developing AI tools must implement rigorous testing and safety measures to prevent similar problems in the future.
While Anthropic has taken steps to resolve the issue, the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of cautious software deployment, particularly in environments where stability is crucial.
