inconsistent behavior when PATH in not set
Author: arenevierCreated Aug 2, 2023Updated Sep 20, 2026
Labelsbug
Description
When PATH is not set, the behavior depends on whether the profile contains a ${PATH} variable Describe the bug
Steps to Reproduce
# create an empty profile
$ rm -f firejail.profile && touch firejail.profile
# unset PATH
$ unset PATH
$ /usr/bin/firejail --profile=./firejail.profile ls
# shows: Error: no suitable ls executable found
# Now, writes a directive that references PATH in the profile
$ echo 'blacklist ${PATH}/systemctl' > firejail.profile
$ /usr/bin/firejail --profile=./firejail.profile ls
# now, the ls command is executed properlyExpected behavior
I expect the behavior to be coherent. Either a default PATH is always set, either it is never set.
Checklist
- [x ] The issues is caused by firejail (i.e. running the program by path (e.g.
/usr/bin/vlc) "fixes" it). - [ x] I can reproduce the issue without custom modifications (e.g. globals.local).
- [ x] The program has a profile. (If not, request one in
https://github.com/netblue30/firejail/issues/1139) - The profile (and redirect profile if exists) hasn't already been fixed upstream.
- [ x] I have performed a short search for similar issues (to avoid opening a duplicate).
- [ x] I'm aware of
browser-allow-drm yes/browser-disable-u2f noinfirejail.configto allow DRM/U2F in browsers.
- [ x] I'm aware of
- [ x] I used
--profile=PROFILENAMEto set the right profile. (Only relevant for AppImages)
Source: netblue30/firejail