[BUG] claude sometimes wants to use /tmp even though CLAUDE_CODE_TMPDIR is set in the environment

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

I set CLAUDE_CODE_TMPDIR in the environment to a directory that exists and invoke claude --add-dir "${CLAUDE_CODE_TMPDIR}" but then sometimes claude prompts me for permission to access tmp/.

What Should Happen?

Claude should use never try to use /tmp if CLAUDE_CODE_TMPDIR is set.

My use-case is to clearly sandbox claude to a particular temporary directory without needing to manually approve access, so when claude asks for permission, it appears that either it's ignoring CLAUDE_CODE_TMPDIR _or_ that it's confused that CLAUDE_CODE_TMPDIR matches the --add-dir command-line argument.

I'm on claude-code 2.1.58, which I think is the current stable version. At least it's my intention that I'm on the stable version.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

$ mkdir /tmp/blah
$ export CLAUDE_CODE_TMPDIR=/tmp/blah
$ claude --add-dir "${CLAUDE_CODE_TMPDIR}"

then, sometimes claude will request access to tmp/ instead of just automatically using /tmp/blah (in this example).

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.58

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

iTerm2

Additional Information

_No response_