Sandbox: bash deny(1) file-read-data Pods-App-frameworks.sh

The Problem

If you're developing an Ionic iOS application and recently upgraded to macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 with Xcode 15.3, you may have encountered a frustrating sandbox error that prevents your project from building:

Sandbox: bash(2538) deny(1) file-read-data /Users/.../ios/App/Pods/Target Support Files/Pods-App/Pods-App-frameworks.sh

This error typically appears when Xcode's User Script Sandboxing feature blocks access to CocoaPods-generated scripts, preventing the build process from completing successfully.

Understanding User Script Sandboxing

User Script Sandboxing is a security feature introduced in recent versions of Xcode that restricts the file system access of build scripts. While this enhances security by limiting what scripts can access during the build process, it can interfere with legitimate build operations, particularly those involving CocoaPods and other dependency management tools.

The sandboxing mechanism prevents scripts from accessing files outside their designated sandbox environment, which can break builds that rely on accessing pod-generated scripts and frameworks.

Common Failed Solutions

Before diving into the solution, it's worth noting that several common troubleshooting steps often fail to resolve this issue:

• Cleaning the build folder - While always a good first step, this alone won't resolve sandboxing restrictions
• Running CocoaPods commands (pod deintegrate, pod clean, pod install) - These commands can help with dependency issues but won't address sandboxing settings
• Upgrading CocoaPods (gem install cocoapods) - Version updates won't change Xcode's sandboxing behavior

The Complete Solution

The key to resolving this issue is understanding that Xcode has two separate User Script Sandboxing settings that both need to be configured:

Step 1: Disable User Script Sandboxing for the Target

1. Open your project in Xcode
2. Select your project in the Project Navigator
3. Select your app target (usually named "App")
4. Navigate to the "Build Settings" tab
5. Search for "User Script Sandboxing"
6. Change the setting from "Yes" to "No"

Step 2: Disable User Script Sandboxing for the Project

1. While still in the Build Settings tab
2. Make sure you're viewing the Project settings (not just the Target)
3. Look for the "User Script Sandboxing" setting at the project level
4. Change this setting from "Yes" to "No" as well

Why Both Settings Matter

Many developers only change the target-level setting and wonder why the issue persists. Xcode inherits build settings from the project level to the target level, but both can have independent configurations. The sandboxing restriction can be enforced at either level, so both must be disabled to ensure scripts can access the necessary files.

Impact on CI/CD and App Store Builds

If you're using continuous integration services like Ionic Appflow for App Store builds, you'll need to ensure these settings are committed to your repository. The build settings are stored in your .xcodeproj file, so once you've made these changes locally, commit and push them to ensure your CI/CD pipeline uses the same configuration.

Security Considerations

Disabling User Script Sandboxing does reduce some security protections during the build process. However, for Ionic projects that rely heavily on CocoaPods and automated script execution, this is often necessary for functionality. The security impact is primarily during development and build time, not in the final application.

Alternative Approaches

If you prefer to keep sandboxing enabled, you might consider:

• Manual dependency management - Avoiding CocoaPods entirely (though this significantly increases complexity)
• Custom build phases - Restructuring your build process to work within sandbox constraints
• Waiting for updates - Future versions of CocoaPods or Xcode may resolve compatibility issues

However, for most development teams, disabling User Script Sandboxing remains the most practical solution.

Conclusion

The User Script Sandboxing issue in Ionic iOS projects is a common problem that stems from Xcode's enhanced security measures conflicting with CocoaPods' build process. The solution requires disabling the sandboxing feature at both the project and target levels in Xcode's Build Settings.

While this may seem like a simple fix once you know it, the dual-setting requirement often catches developers off guard, leading to continued build failures even after attempting the "obvious" solution. By ensuring both settings are configured correctly, you can restore your build process and continue developing your Ionic iOS application without interruption.