The Issue:
The error typically occurs when the GitLab Runner shell executor doesn’t have the necessary permissions to access or execute files in the /home/gitlab-runner directory. This can happen if:
- Configuration files or hidden files (dotfiles like
.bashrcor.gitlab-ci.yml) are misconfigured. - Improper file or directory permissions are preventing the runner from accessing required files.
The Solution:
A straightforward fix is to remove all dotfiles (.*) in the /home/gitlab-runner directory. These files might be causing the permission errors, especially if they were created or misconfigured by previous installations or processes.
Steps to Fix:
- SSH into your AWS Ubuntu 20.04 instance where GitLab Runner is installed.
- Run the following command to remove all dotfiles from the
gitlab-runnerhome directory:sudo rm -rf /home/gitlab-runner/.*Caution: This will remove all hidden configuration files. Ensure you’re comfortable removing any files that might not be necessary. - After this, the GitLab Runner should be able to run without encountering the permission error.
Why This Works:
- The
gitlab-runnerservice runs under its own user (gitlab-runner), and misconfigured hidden files in the home directory can prevent it from running properly. - Removing these files eliminates the possibility of conflicting settings or permissions, allowing the runner to work seamlessly.