Solving 'Exec Format Error' on User Process

If you're a developer working with Docker or Kubernetes, you might have come across the "standard_init_linux.go:228: exec user process caused 'exec format error'" error. This error occurs when a binary file is not compatible with the CPU architecture of the container. Don't worry, we've got you covered with this troubleshooting guide.

Understanding the Error

The error message "standard_init_linux.go:228: exec user process caused 'exec format error'" appears when trying to run a binary file inside a container. The error indicates that the binary file is not compatible with the CPU architecture of the container. This error can occur due to several reasons, such as:

  • Incorrectly built binary file
  • Different CPU architecture between the host and container
  • Incorrect base image used for the container

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve the "standard_init_linux.go:228: exec user process caused 'exec format error'" error:

Step 1: Check the Architecture of the Binary File

Make sure that the binary file you're trying to run inside the container is built for the same CPU architecture as the container. You can check the architecture of the binary file using the file command. For example:

$ file binary-file
binary-file: ELF 64-bit LSB executable, x86-64, version 1 (SYSV), dynamically linked, interpreter /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2, for GNU/Linux 3.2.0, not stripped

The output of the file command shows that the binary file is built for x86-64 architecture.

Step 2: Check the Architecture of the Container

Make sure that the container is running on the correct CPU architecture. You can check the architecture of the container using the uname -a command. For example:

$ uname -a
Linux container-id 4.4.0-101-generic #124-Ubuntu SMP Fri Nov 10 18:29:59 UTC 2017 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

The output of the uname -a command shows that the container is running on x86-64 architecture.

Step 3: Check the Base Image of the Container

Make sure that the base image used for the container is compatible with the CPU architecture of the container. You can check the base image using the docker inspect command. For example:

$ docker inspect --format='{{.Os}}/{{.Architecture}}' base-image
linux/amd64

The output of the docker inspect command shows that the base image is compatible with x86-64 architecture.

Step 4: Rebuild the Binary File and/or the Container

If the binary file or the container is not compatible with the CPU architecture, rebuild them for the correct architecture. Make sure to use the correct base image for the container.

FAQ

Q1. What causes the "standard_init_linux.go:228: exec user process caused 'exec format error'" error in Docker or Kubernetes?

A1. The error occurs when a binary file is not compatible with the CPU architecture of the container.

Q2. How do I check the architecture of a binary file?

A2. You can check the architecture of a binary file using the file command.

Q3. How do I check the architecture of a container?

A3. You can check the architecture of a container using the uname -a command.

Q4. How do I check the base image of a container?

A4. You can check the base image of a container using the docker inspect command.

Q5. How do I rebuild a binary file or a container?

A5. You can rebuild a binary file or a container with the correct CPU architecture and base image.

Conclusion

The "standard_init_linux.go:228: exec user process caused 'exec format error'" error can be frustrating, but with these troubleshooting steps, you can easily identify and resolve the issue. Remember to check the architecture of the binary file, container, and base image to ensure compatibility.

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