Add environment variable mirroring from runner to agent container by Copilot · Pull Request #11980 · github/gh-aw

Copilot · 2026-01-27T00:10:42Z

The AWF container doesn't have access to runner-level environment variables like JAVA_HOME_17_X64, ANDROID_HOME, and CHROMEWEBDRIVER that workflows depend on. While --env-all passes step-level env vars, runner-provided tool paths require explicit --env VAR_NAME flags.

Changes

pkg/workflow/env_mirror.go: Defines 33 runner environment variables to mirror and generates AWF --env arguments
Engine execution files: Added mirrored env args to AWF command in copilot_engine_execution.go, claude_engine.go, codex_engine.go
Documentation: Added "Mirrored Environment Variables" section to sandbox.md

Mirrored Variables

Category	Variables
Java	`JAVA_HOME`, `JAVA_HOME_{8,11,17,21,25}_X64`
Android	`ANDROID_HOME`, `ANDROID_SDK_ROOT`, `ANDROID_NDK*`
Browsers	`CHROMEWEBDRIVER`, `EDGEWEBDRIVER`, `GECKOWEBDRIVER`, `SELENIUM_JAR_PATH`
Package Managers	`CONDA`, `VCPKG_INSTALLATION_ROOT`, `PIPX_`, `GEM_`
Languages	`GOPATH`, `GOROOT`, `DOTNET_ROOT`, `CARGO_HOME`, `RUSTUP_HOME`, `NVM_DIR`, `SWIFT_PATH`
Other	`HOMEBREW_*`, `AZURE_EXTENSION_DIR`

AWF passes variables through only if they exist on the host—missing variables are silently ignored.

Original prompt

This section details on the original issue you should resolve

<issue_title>[plan] Add environment variable mirroring from runner to agent container</issue_title>
<issue_description>## Objective

Implement environment variable passing to mirror essential GitHub Actions runner environment variables into the agent container, improving compatibility with actions and workflows.

Context

The Ubuntu runner image provides many environment variables that workflows and actions depend on (e.g., JAVA_HOME, ANDROID_HOME, CHROMEWEBDRIVER, CONDA, etc.). The agent container currently doesn't have access to these, which can cause issues when workflows expect them to be set.

Refer to specs/ubuntulatest.md section "Environment Variables" for the complete list.

Approach

Identify critical environment variables from the runner that should be passed through:

Build tool homes: JAVA_HOME_*_X64, ANDROID_HOME, ANDROID_NDK, GOPATH

Tool paths: CHROMEWEBDRIVER, GECKOWEBDRIVER, SELENIUM_JAR_PATH

Package managers: CONDA, VCPKG_INSTALLATION_ROOT

Create a helper function to generate environment variable pass-through arguments

Implement variable passing in the AWF command generation for all engines

Add validation to ensure required variables exist before passing them

Document which environment variables are automatically mirrored

Files to Modify

Create: pkg/workflow/env_mirror.go (environment variable mirroring logic)

Create: pkg/workflow/env_mirror_test.go (test environment mirroring)

Modify: pkg/workflow/copilot_engine_execution.go (add env passing to AWF args)

Modify: pkg/workflow/claude_engine.go (add env passing to AWF args)

Modify: pkg/workflow/codex_engine.go (add env passing to AWF args)

Modify: docs/src/content/docs/reference/sandbox.md (document env mirroring)

Acceptance Criteria

Essential environment variables are correctly passed to the agent container

Missing variables are handled gracefully (no errors if not present on host)

Tests verify environment variable presence in the container

Documentation lists all mirrored environment variables

Implementation works across all engine types
Related to epic: build/test environment for agentic workflow #11970

AI generated by Plan Command for #11970

Comments on the Issue (you are @copilot in this section)

Fixes [plan] Add environment variable mirroring from runner to agent container #11974

✨ Let Copilot coding agent set things up for you — coding agent works faster and does higher quality work when set up for your repo.

Changeset

Type: patch
Description: Mirror critical runner environment variables into the AWF agent container so workflows keep access to tool paths

Ahoy! This treasure was crafted by 🏴‍☠️ Changeset Generator

Changeset

Type: patch
Description: Mirror essential GitHub Actions runner environment variables into the agent container so workflows retain access to tool paths.

Ahoy! This treasure was crafted by 🏴‍☠️ Changeset Generator

Changeset

Type: patch
Description: Mirror runner-provided environment variables into the AWF agent container so workflows keep access to their tool paths.

Ahoy! This treasure was crafted by 🏴‍☠️ Changeset Generator

…itial plan) Co-authored-by: Mossaka <5447827+Mossaka@users.noreply.github.com>

Co-authored-by: Mossaka <5447827+Mossaka@users.noreply.github.com>

…irroring # Conflicts: # .github/workflows/agent-performance-analyzer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/agent-persona-explorer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/ai-moderator.lock.yml # .github/workflows/archie.lock.yml # .github/workflows/artifacts-summary.lock.yml # .github/workflows/auto-triage-issues.lock.yml # .github/workflows/brave.lock.yml # .github/workflows/breaking-change-checker.lock.yml # .github/workflows/chroma-issue-indexer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/ci-coach.lock.yml # .github/workflows/ci-doctor.lock.yml # .github/workflows/cli-consistency-checker.lock.yml # .github/workflows/code-scanning-fixer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/code-simplifier.lock.yml # .github/workflows/copilot-cli-deep-research.lock.yml # .github/workflows/copilot-pr-merged-report.lock.yml # .github/workflows/copilot-pr-nlp-analysis.lock.yml # .github/workflows/copilot-pr-prompt-analysis.lock.yml # .github/workflows/craft.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-assign-issue-to-user.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-cli-performance.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-compiler-quality.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-copilot-token-report.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-file-diet.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-firewall-report.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-malicious-code-scan.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-news.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-regulatory.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-repo-chronicle.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-secrets-analysis.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-semgrep-scan.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-team-status.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-testify-uber-super-expert.lock.yml # .github/workflows/daily-workflow-updater.lock.yml # .github/workflows/delight.lock.yml # .github/workflows/dependabot-bundler.lock.yml # .github/workflows/dependabot-go-checker.lock.yml # .github/workflows/dev-hawk.lock.yml # .github/workflows/dev.lock.yml # .github/workflows/dictation-prompt.lock.yml # .github/workflows/discussion-task-miner.lock.yml # .github/workflows/docs-noob-tester.lock.yml # .github/workflows/example-custom-error-patterns.lock.yml # .github/workflows/example-permissions-warning.lock.yml # .github/workflows/firewall-escape.lock.yml # .github/workflows/firewall.lock.yml # .github/workflows/github-remote-mcp-auth-test.lock.yml # .github/workflows/glossary-maintainer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/grumpy-reviewer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/hourly-ci-cleaner.lock.yml # .github/workflows/issue-monster.lock.yml # .github/workflows/issue-triage-agent.lock.yml # .github/workflows/jsweep.lock.yml # .github/workflows/layout-spec-maintainer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/mcp-inspector.lock.yml # .github/workflows/mergefest.lock.yml # .github/workflows/metrics-collector.lock.yml # .github/workflows/notion-issue-summary.lock.yml # .github/workflows/org-health-report.lock.yml # .github/workflows/pdf-summary.lock.yml # .github/workflows/plan.lock.yml # .github/workflows/poem-bot.lock.yml # .github/workflows/portfolio-analyst.lock.yml # .github/workflows/pr-nitpick-reviewer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/pr-triage-agent.lock.yml # .github/workflows/python-data-charts.lock.yml # .github/workflows/q.lock.yml # .github/workflows/release.lock.yml # .github/workflows/repo-audit-analyzer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/repo-tree-map.lock.yml # .github/workflows/repository-quality-improver.lock.yml # .github/workflows/research.lock.yml # .github/workflows/secret-scanning-triage.lock.yml # .github/workflows/security-compliance.lock.yml # .github/workflows/security-fix-pr.lock.yml # .github/workflows/security-review.lock.yml # .github/workflows/slide-deck-maintainer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/smoke-claude.lock.yml # .github/workflows/smoke-codex.lock.yml # .github/workflows/smoke-copilot.lock.yml # .github/workflows/stale-repo-identifier.lock.yml # .github/workflows/sub-issue-closer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/super-linter.lock.yml # .github/workflows/technical-doc-writer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/terminal-stylist.lock.yml # .github/workflows/tidy.lock.yml # .github/workflows/ubuntu-image-analyzer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/video-analyzer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/weekly-issue-summary.lock.yml # .github/workflows/workflow-generator.lock.yml # .github/workflows/workflow-health-manager.lock.yml # .github/workflows/workflow-normalizer.lock.yml # .github/workflows/workflow-skill-extractor.lock.yml

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:20:49Z

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github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:20:50Z

📰 BREAKING: Smoke Copilot is now investigating this pull request. Sources say the story is developing...

github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:20:50Z

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github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:20:50Z

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github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:22:09Z

📰 DEVELOPING STORY: Smoke Copilot reports was cancelled. Our correspondents are investigating the incident...

github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:22:14Z

💀 Blimey! Changeset Generator failed and walked the plank! No treasure today, matey! ☠️

github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:22:32Z

💫 TO BE CONTINUED... Smoke Claude failed! Our hero faces unexpected challenges...

github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:22:32Z

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github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:22:37Z

📰 BREAKING: Smoke Copilot is now investigating this pull request. Sources say the story is developing...

github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:24:36Z

📰 DEVELOPING STORY: Smoke Copilot reports failed. Our correspondents are investigating the incident...

github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:44:28Z

Smoke Test Results

Last 2 Merged PRs:

Update MCP gateway container to v0.0.82 #12050: Update MCP gateway container to v0.0.82
Expand hostedtoolcache PATH integration for Python and other runtimes #11979: Expand hostedtoolcache PATH integration for Python and other runtimes

Test Results:

✅ GitHub MCP Testing
✅ Safe Inputs GH CLI Testing
✅ Serena MCP Testing
✅ Playwright Testing
✅ File Writing Testing
✅ Bash Tool Testing
✅ Discussion Interaction Testing

Overall Status: PASS

@Mossaka @Copilot

AI generated by Smoke Copilot

github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:44:44Z

📰 VERDICT: Smoke Copilot has concluded. All systems operational. This is a developing story. 🎤

github-actions · 2026-01-27T17:45:58Z

Smoke Test Results

PRs Reviewed:

Mount recommended binaries into AWF agent container #12062: [WIP] Add implementation to mount recommended binaries
Fix test failures when running make test #12055: [WIP] Fix test failures when running make test

Test Status:

✅ GitHub MCP
✅ Safe Inputs GH CLI
✅ Serena MCP
✅ Make Build
✅ Playwright
✅ Tavily Web Search
✅ File Writing
✅ Bash Tool
✅ Discussion Interaction

Overall Status: ✅ PASS

AI generated by Smoke Claude

.github/workflows/agent-persona-explorer.lock.yml

The generic `find /opt/hostedtoolcache` command returns directories in alphabetical order, causing older runtime versions (e.g., Go 1.22.12) to shadow newer ones (e.g., Go 1.25.6) because "1.22" < "1.25" alphabetically. This fix prepends specific tool paths from environment variables (set by actions/setup-go, actions/setup-java, etc.) BEFORE the generic find results: - GOROOT/bin (Go) - JAVA_HOME/bin (Java) - CARGO_HOME/bin (Rust) - GEM_HOME/bin (Ruby) - CONDA/bin (Conda) - PIPX_BIN_DIR (pipx) - SWIFT_PATH (Swift) - DOTNET_ROOT (.NET) This ensures the version configured by setup actions takes precedence over other versions that may exist in hostedtoolcache. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

Instead of using shell variable expansion like ${GOROOT:+$GOROOT/bin:} inside the container (which could be exploited), compute the tool bin paths on the runner side and pass them as a literal value via --env. Changes: - Add GetToolBinsSetup() to compute GH_AW_TOOL_BINS on the runner - Add GetToolBinsEnvArg() to pass GH_AW_TOOL_BINS via --env to container - Update GetHostedToolcachePathSetup() to use $GH_AW_TOOL_BINS - Update all engines (Claude, Codex, Copilot) to use the safer approach Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

github-actions · 2026-01-27T18:43:43Z

🎬 THE END — Smoke Claude MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED! The hero saves the day! ✨

github-actions · 2026-01-27T18:43:46Z

📰 BREAKING: Smoke Copilot is now investigating this pull request. Sources say the story is developing...

github-actions · 2026-01-27T18:43:48Z

✨ The prophecy is fulfilled... Smoke Codex has completed its mystical journey. The stars align. 🌟

github-actions · 2026-01-27T18:43:54Z

🎉 Yo ho ho! Changeset Generator found the treasure and completed successfully! ⚓💰

github-actions · 2026-01-27T18:48:34Z

AI generated by Smoke Codex

github-actions · 2026-01-27T18:50:58Z

Smoke Test: Copilot

Latest PRs:

Refactor large test files (>1500 lines) into focused modules under 1000 lines #12076: Refactor large test files (>1500 lines)
Add security guard agentic workflow for PR security posture analysis #12069: Add security guard agentic workflow

Test Results:

✅ GitHub MCP
✅ Safe Inputs GH CLI
❌ Serena MCP (timeout)
✅ Playwright
✅ File Writing
✅ Bash Tool
✅ Discussion Interaction

Status: ⚠️ PARTIAL PASS

cc @Mossaka @Copilot

AI generated by Smoke Copilot

github-actions · 2026-01-27T18:50:58Z

🤖 Beep boop! The smoke test agent just passed through here like a digital tumbleweed in the vast desert of auto-triage reports!

Just wanted to drop by and say your classification game is chef's kiss 💯 - that 100% success rate and 98% confidence? Absolutely crushing it! Keep those labels flowing and those issues triaged.

The robots are watching... and we approve. 🎯✨

-- Your friendly neighborhood smoke test bot 🚀

AI generated by Smoke Copilot

github-actions · 2026-01-27T18:51:12Z

📰 VERDICT: Smoke Copilot has concluded. All systems operational. This is a developing story. 🎤

Initial plan

6efe554

Copilot AI assigned Copilot and Mossaka Jan 27, 2026

Copilot started work on behalf of Mossaka January 27, 2026 00:11 View session

Copilot AI and others added 2 commits January 27, 2026 00:15

Add environment variable mirroring from runner to agent container (in…

dd37f68

…itial plan) Co-authored-by: Mossaka <5447827+Mossaka@users.noreply.github.com>

Add environment variable mirroring from runner to agent container

b0f1e7c

Co-authored-by: Mossaka <5447827+Mossaka@users.noreply.github.com>

This was referenced Jan 27, 2026

Smoke Test: Copilot - 21379539171 #11981

Closed

Fix AWF command quoting to ensure agent runs inside firewall container #11969

Merged

Smoke Test: Claude - 21379539133 #11982

Closed

Smoke Test: Claude - 21379512407 #11983

Closed

Copilot AI changed the title ~~[WIP] Add environment variable mirroring from runner to agent container~~ Add environment variable mirroring from runner to agent container Jan 27, 2026

Copilot AI requested a review from Mossaka January 27, 2026 00:36

Copilot finished work on behalf of Mossaka January 27, 2026 00:36

Mossaka and others added 2 commits January 27, 2026 17:17

chore: regenerate workflows after merge with main

4838569

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

Mossaka added the smoke label Jan 27, 2026

Mossaka added smoke and removed smoke labels Jan 27, 2026

github-actions bot mentioned this pull request Jan 27, 2026

Smoke Test: Claude - 21407709177 #12070

Closed

pelikhan reviewed Jan 27, 2026

View reviewed changes

.github/workflows/agent-persona-explorer.lock.yml Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

Mossaka closed this Jan 27, 2026

Mossaka reopened this Jan 27, 2026

Mossaka and others added 3 commits January 27, 2026 18:29

Merge branch 'main' into copilot/add-env-var-mirroring

339e484

Mossaka added the smoke label Jan 27, 2026

Add changeset [skip-ci]

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github-actions bot removed the smoke label Jan 27, 2026

This was referenced Jan 27, 2026

Smoke Test: Claude - 21409676481 #12083

Closed

Smoke Test: Copilot - 21409676489 #12084

Closed

Mossaka mentioned this pull request Jan 27, 2026

Minor improvements for env_mirror.go #12087

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Mossaka merged commit 9526e1d into main Jan 27, 2026
92 checks passed

Mossaka deleted the copilot/add-env-var-mirroring branch January 27, 2026 18:54

Copilot AI mentioned this pull request Jan 27, 2026

Minor improvements for env_mirror.go #12090

Closed

This was referenced Jan 27, 2026

Consolidate shell escaping utilities into shell.go #12074

Merged

Smoke Test: Copilot - 21410404909 #12095

Closed

Copilot AI mentioned this pull request Jan 28, 2026

docs: Document agent container build/test environment from epic #11970 #12375

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Mirrored Variables

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