python / python/cpython

Builtin input does not always correctly handle errors from `PyOS_Readline`

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3.13 3.14 3.15 interpreter-core type-crash
Dominant language
Python
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Description

Assertion failure sending SIGINT while calling input
import os, signal, threading

send = threading.Event()

def interrupter():
    while True:
        send.wait()
        os.kill(os.getpid(), signal.SIGINT)

threading.Thread(target=interrupter).start()

send.set()
while True:
    try:
        input(">")
    except KeyboardInterrupt:
        pass

Note, this is a modified version of the example code in #112585.

Python (tested v3.12.10, v3.13.3, v3.14.0b1, and current HEAD), built with assertions enabled:

~/src/cpython/ $ ./python crash.py
>>>>>>>>>>>python: Objects/call.c:342: _PyObject_Call: Assertion `!_PyErr_Occurred(tstate)' failed.
Aborted (core dumped)

IIUC the issue is builtin_input_impl in Python/bltinmodule.c calls PyOS_Readline but assumes it cannot set an exception:

    s = PyOS_Readline(stdin, stdout, promptstr);
    if (s == NULL) {
        PyErr_CheckSignals();
        if (!PyErr_Occurred())
            PyErr_SetNone(PyExc_KeyboardInterrupt);

If PyOS_Readline sets an exception (e.g. as in this case by running an interrupt signal handler itself), as opposed to being interrupted by a signal and returning NULL without setting the exception, and another signal with a handler is pending when PyErr_CheckSignals() is called, the handler will be called with the prior exception already set, and hence the assertion fails.

CPython versions tested on:

CPython main branch

Operating systems tested on:

Linux

Output from running 'python -VV' on the command line:

No response

Linked PRs
  • gh-134645

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  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start in Python/bltinmodule.c at builtin_input_impl and reproduce the assertion with the provided signal and input example. Trace how PyOS_Readline and PyErr_CheckSignals handle an existing exception; done means the reproduction no longer aborts with the _PyObject_Call assertion and preserves the intended interrupt behavior.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
operating-systems
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Clearly specified
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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