[Bug] Claude loses file paths and working context mid-conversation

Bug description

Since approximately September 16, 2026, Claude models lose track of file paths, repository locations, and working directory context within the same conversation. The model generates generic placeholder paths instead of using the actual paths it was working with moments earlier.

Steps to reproduce

1. Start a Claude Code session in a project directory
2. Work with specific files (e.g., edit src/main.py, commit to a repo)
3. Continue the conversation for 10+ messages
4. Ask Claude to reference a file it was working with earlier
5. Claude outputs a generic path like ~/ruta/repo-name instead of the actual path

Expected behavior

Claude should retain awareness of the working directory, file paths, and repository context throughout the entire conversation, as it did before ~September 16.

Actual behavior

• Generates generic placeholder paths instead of actual paths used earlier in the session
• Claims files do not exist when they were committed minutes before
• Forgets which repository it was working in, causing files to be committed to wrong repos

Real-world impact

A user committed 1400_offsets.txt to the wrong repository (ps4-13xx-research instead of ps4-suid-scanner) because the model forgot which repo it was operating in during the same session.

Environment

• Claude Code version: latest (as of Sep 24, 2026)
• Models affected: claude-opus-4-6, claude-opus-5-5, claude-sonnet-4-6
• OS: Debian 12 (Bookworm), also reproduced on mobile (Android)
• Platform: claude.ai + Claude Code CLI

Additional context

This regression began around September 16, 2026 and affects all model tiers. Before that date, Claude maintained full context of file paths and repository structure throughout conversations.