---
title: "OpenAI fixes Codex bug that deleted real user files"
url: https://www.parallelquant.com/posts/openai-fixes-codex-bug-that-deleted-real-user-files-7fd94a
source_name: "The Decoder"
source_url: https://the-decoder.com/openai-fixes-codex-bug-that-deleted-real-user-files-without-permission/
published: 2026-08-19T18:18:34.000Z
topics: ["products", "llms"]
publisher: "Parallel Quant"
---

# OpenAI fixes Codex bug that deleted real user files

*2026-08-19 · Source: [The Decoder](https://the-decoder.com/openai-fixes-codex-bug-that-deleted-real-user-files-without-permission/)*

OpenAI patched a bug in its Codex coding agent (GPT-5.6 Sol) where a cleanup command meant for temporary folders instead wiped users' home directories. Codex now verifies deletion targets before acting, and full-access mode can no longer trigger by accident.

**Why it matters:** Agentic coding tools are increasingly given real filesystem access to work autonomously, and this is exactly the failure mode critics have warned about: an agent taking a destructive action outside its intended scope. Expect this to strengthen arguments for stricter sandboxing and default permissions in coding agents beyond just Codex.

**Topics:** products, llms

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Read the original: https://the-decoder.com/openai-fixes-codex-bug-that-deleted-real-user-files-without-permission/
Canonical: https://www.parallelquant.com/posts/openai-fixes-codex-bug-that-deleted-real-user-files-7fd94a
Published by Parallel Quant — https://www.parallelquant.com