OpenAI Confirms GPT-5.6 File Deletion Root Cause: $HOME Directory Misconfiguration

According to OpenAI, the company has identified the root cause of multiple file deletion incidents affecting GPT-5.6. Product lead Tibo confirmed that the model incorrectly configured the temporary directory as $HOME, leading to accidental deletion of user home directories instead of temporary files.

The incidents primarily occurred under Full Access mode when Codex's sandbox and automated review were disabled. OpenAI stated such cases are "extremely rare" and announced plans to update developer prompts, guide users toward safer permission modes, and enhance security safeguards. A full incident report will be released in the coming days.