Cursor 0.33.4 refuses to start on Kubuntu 24.04: "SUID sandbox helper binary was found, but is not configured correctly"

[meladoro]

1. If you can, please include a screenshot of your problem

Here it is, though it hardly makes sense in this case:

2. Please include the name of your operating system

As reported by lsb_release -a:

Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Release: 24.04
Codename: noble

Flavor is Kubuntu, though.

3. If you can, steps to reproduce are super helpful

• Download latest version of Cursor from cursor.sh, cursor-0.33.4x86_64.AppImage
• Run chmod u+x ./cursor-0.33.4x86_64.AppImage
• Run ./cursor-0.33.4x86_64.AppImage
• Cursor refuses to start with following error: [3940:0523/104843.586137:FATAL:setuid_sandbox_host.cc(158)] The SUID sandbox helper binary was found, but is not configured correctly. Rather than run without sandboxing I'm aborting now. You need to make sure that /tmp/.mount_cursorl2LAz7/chrome-sandbox is owned by root and has mode 4755. Trace/breakpoint trap (core dumped)

I appreciate any assistance. Thank you very much.

m.

[mostafa20220]

I have the same issue.
The only thing that worked for me was running the app image using the flag: --no-sandbox

I searched a lot for a solution to run it without the no-sandbox flag ... but found nothing useful yet.

I hope someone finds a better solution than the no-sandbox flag.

[Octahedron-Alum]

Same here.

[rehypothecation]

Having this issue too.

[0xlidar]

This happens after Ubuntu 24.04

To resolve this issue, cursor developers need to add an apparmor profile like this mullvad/mullvadvpn-app#6196

[dushmanta05]

Same issue with me Ubuntu 24.04

[helgster77]

I have the same sandbox issue on Ubuntu 24.04 and if I run with "--no-sandbox" the UI starts up but I get SQL Lite errors and some others. Has anyone solved these problems and can share step by step instructions? Given all the hype about Cursor I'm kind of surprised, Ubuntu is not exactly a niche operating system.

[dushmanta05]

@helgster77 I've exactly same issue on my Ubuntu 24.04

[Imobacho]

Same here

[jurjendevries]

Same with Ubuntu 24.04. I am able to run it a bit with --no-sandbox, but it crashes randomly.

[Buckler89]

Same here with ubuntu 24.04

[nettum]

I just updated from 22.04 to 24.04 and get the same error.
As far as I can see there are at least a few issues regarding this - this one, #1483 and #1683

[nettum]

FWIW, as far as I can see vscode runs with the --no-sandbox flag, at least when you download the snap.
See diff between old and fixed version and a later a commit to change where --no-sandbox is defined

Edit:

I also tried to add my own AppArmor file, which I guess is a more secure fix. This needs to fixed by the authors of cursor for a permanent fix, but for the record I did the following:
Add a cursor-profile to /etc/apparmor.d:

# This profile allows everything and only exists to give the
# application a name instead of having the label "unconfined"

abi <abi/4.0>,
include <tunables/global>

profile cursor <your-path-to-cursor>/cursor*.AppImage flags=(unconfined) {
  userns,

  # Site-specific additions and overrides. See local/README for details.
  include if exists <local/cursor>
}

You need to change <your-path-to-cursor> and <version-flags>

Reload AppArmor service with sudo systemctl reload apparmor.service and check if everything is ok with sudo systemctl status apparmor.service.
You should now be able to run cursor without using --no-sandbox.
I have not tested cursor much after this change, so I don't know if there are any bugs or if the apparmor profile would need more adjustments.

Edit 2: Seems like @arpagon already suggested a similar fix in another issue

Edit 3: Edited apparmor code to use cursor*.AppImage (same as the example linked to above) instead of cursor-<version-flags>.AppImage as the latter will not work after AppImage updates.

[luisriverag]

Same here with ubuntu 24.04

Ubuntu 24.04.1. Same from CLI, but does start from GUI

[Livia-Zaharia]

It is caused by messed up pemissions in AppImage, my workaround is #1907

[danperks]

FYI closed a few duplicate issue reports, however a potential workaround not needing any AppArmour work was posted in #1907 if anyone with this issue wants to try that.

[antonkulaga]

Can developers just fix it or at least give a link to workaround (like the one @Livia-Zaharia did in #1907 )? The problem is obvious: messed up AppImage release process when wrong permissions are given to part of the image. Having things broken for a huge part of users is not lovely. I am surprised that the issues persist for multiple months.

[lypanov]

FWIW easiest workaround is to run https://github.com./probonopd/go-appimage that'll auto create .desktop launchers that Just Work (as in, copy the appimage into ~/Applications, like on Mac). I personally only needed the app armour config to ensure I could still start Cursor from the command line (and no longer do).

No sorry, I didn't look into why the generated launchers work but starting it from the console fails.

[helgster77]

@lypanov Would be great if you can provide detailed information about how you use go-appimage to make Cursor run. There are a few different tools in that repo.

[martinkrung]

I solved this with this work-around:

#1683 (comment)

[nettum]

Lots of temporary fixes here now. Problem is that all of them are workarounds and needs work done by the end-user. Some of the solutions also need to be re-done when cursor updates or user do manual update. Not a good first impression for new users that want to try the product.
Hope the team will look into this as it's been broken for a very popular linux distro for some time now.
I'm currently on the fence on cursor/upgrading plan. Need to get a feeling if linux is prioritized or not.
Apart from this hiccup, very satisfied with cursor so far! 🎉

[jorcelinojunior]

To simplify and automate the process of managing app updates, I've created an interactive Bash script. This script enhances the user experience by allowing dynamic selection of specific tasks related to the Cursor app management.

You can select:

• Option (1): Search for and download the latest version if a newer one is available than what's currently on your machine.
• Option (2): Re/install the latest version already downloaded to your machine and create a symbolic link to the executable with an icon.
• Option (3): Configure AppArmor for the safe execution of the newly installed or updated version.

For more details, view the code and its explanation in my gist:

cursor_appimage_manager.sh

I hope this can help someone.

Good luck!

[lypanov]

@lypanov Would be great if you can provide detailed information about how you use go-appimage to make Cursor run. There are a few different tools in that repo.

Sorry I meant https://github.com./probonopd/go-appimage/blob/master/src/appimaged/README.md specifically.

With this installed on my system Cursor has always "Just Worked" (with the exception as mentioned earlier that you can't start it from the commandline).

To get even more concrete: I copy appimages to ~/Applications just like on a Mac. appimaged notices any such images and automatically "installs" the applications such that they end up my Ubuntu "Dock". I haven't dug into the why alas and am unlikely to have time any time soon.

[dangviethung096]

I searched this solution, i worked for me:
Ubuntu 24.04 implemented new restrictions for AppImage apps, which restricts the use of sandboxes.
run this command to deactive restriction:

sudo sysctl -w kernel.apparmor_restrict_unprivileged_userns=0

electron/electron#42510

[timoklein]

Given all the hype about Cursor I'm kind of surprised, Ubuntu is not exactly a niche operating system.

Ran into the same issue and was like "Seriously?". Hope it gets fixed soon, really want to give Cursor a proper shot.

[dalklein]

updated to ubuntu 24.04 LTS from 22.04, and found my way here after trying to use cursor. removing the sandbox restriction in 24.04 seems to work. Is that really a recommended solution?

[danperks]

Will flag this, seems like some changes to how Cursor is built will be needed to support this.

[424778940z]

My company purchased multiple sets for Cursor sub., but your product can't even run under a fresh install major Linux distro, this is unacceptable.

Cursor is not a game or office software, it's an IDE, you guys needs to realize there are Linux users, in fact a lot. The issue prisits for MONTHS, telling us won't fix try workarounds, is not a good impression for a commercial product.

Using an AI based product to save time and effort, but if we have to waste all that saved resources on figuring out how to get it running, then what's the point?

[ihatecsv]

Honestly it's not a great experience to download a broken appimage. Why not have a downloads page where you can write under the Linux download that you can't use Cursor on modern linux distros yet. That way we know ahead of time until you fix it.

The uni-download button is not great imo. What if I was looking for an exe but I'm running nix?

[simonjanin]

@arvid220u @shaoruu - this needs to be fixed urgently. At minimum issue a statement on your website.

[antonkulaga]

People got 65 mln of funding but cannot fix a bug that makes their system unusable for half a year and for which fixes were provided in the issues already ( @Livia-Zaharia gave a fix in one of her comments in September!). Very disgraceful

[dalklein]

( @Livia-Zaharia gave a fix in one of her comments in September!). Oh that is better than no-sandbox, thanks!

[lypanov]

If #1907 is really the fix why was it closed so summarily?

I do not like to join it on +1 fests, but this is getting out of hand.

Your product still doesn't work on Linux.

[jurosh]

Based on how long this is open, it looks like team just doesn't care about Linux users. I wanted to try it too but ended up switching to MS Copilot after all the incompatibility hassle with the Cursor. And so far can recommend Copilot which can help with lot of small coding stuff.

[424778940z]

Based on how long this is open, it looks like team just doesn't care about Linux users. I wanted to try it too but ended up switching to MS Copilot after all the incompatibility hassle with the Cursor. And so far can recommend Copilot which can help with lot of small coding stuff.

well the thing is, it's just a fancy vscode fork that use few AI apis, we could just use those AI directly instead of using this

[lypanov]

Based on how long this is open, it looks like team just doesn't care about Linux users. I wanted to try it too but ended up switching to MS Copilot after all the incompatibility hassle with the Cursor. And so far can recommend Copilot which can help with lot of small coding stuff.

well the thing is, it's just a fancy vscode fork that use few AI apis, we could just use those AI directly instead of using this

Many of us are paid users that adore this product and just want to have a working install without workarounds.

To correct your misunderstanding, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFfVt3S51T4

[Dafaque]

It's been 2 months since my last comment and no changes to support Linux users. Today I cancelled my Cursor subscription and started one with Windsurf Editor.

Value prop doesn't matter if you can't use the product.

My last month with cursor tho. Thanx for WE ref, gonna try taday.

[GauntletRunner2025]

Still occurring Jan 2025

[danperks]

Hey, this is actually an issue with Electron-based apps in general, and there is currently not a stable fix we can roll out, but we are keeping an eye on this to see if we can resolve this in the future!

See for reference:
electron/electron#42510

[lypanov]

Spent a while reading into this and my recommendation to Cursor would be to provide a .deb package rather than AppImage specifically for Ubuntu users and use the AppArmor fixup technique described in electron/electron#42510 (comment) together with the AppArmor recommendation from here: gravitational/teleport#43595.

Leaving this here even though I see the policy has changed on the use of this Github Issues page, just in case it's useful to you.

[424778940z]

this is actually an issue with Electron-based apps in general

Then why vscode is running fine on my Linux PC?
You could provide a deb/rpm package, or use provided workaround while packaging appimage.
But you chose to do nothing.

[GauntletRunner2025]

If its a known and expected error, maybe a warning or some kind of messaging around the download link could inform the user. Or put it in a zip file along with a readme, or even a hint in the filename itself, better than nothing

[jorcelinojunior]

I created a script that solves most of the common issues Linux users face with the Cursor .AppImage application, making everything easier!
No more visiting the website to look for new versions or manually repeating tasks every time you want to update—this script handles all .AppImage-related updates and configurations for you.

See Cursor Setup Wizard in action below and see how it streamlines the entire process:

For full details and instructions, check out the repository's README.md. Here's a quick overview:

Highlights include:

• Simplifies Cursor .AppImage management: Fetch updates, manage configurations, and resolve common issues effortlessly.
• One command updates: Use the alias cursor-setup in your terminal to check for updates and install the latest .AppImage version anytime.
• Optimized defaults: Works out of the box with pre-configured settings tailored for most users.
• Customizable paths and themes: Easily modify paths, icons, and even colors to suit your preferences.
• Multi-shell support: Automatically adds aliases for Bash and Zsh for quick access.
• Detailed feedback: Logs every step of the process for transparency and easier troubleshooting.
• Automatic version checks: Fetches the latest version online and compares its MD5 hash with your local version to ensure you're always up-to-date.
• Comprehensive setup: Downloads the latest .AppImage, fetches the icon, creates desktop shortcuts, sets up AppArmor, and configures the "cursor" terminal command.

Go to the cursor-setup-wizard repository and give it a try! 🚀

If you have any suggestions or run into issues, feel free to open an issue in the repository—I’ll gladly help!

[amacfie-tc]

I searched this solution, i worked for me: Ubuntu 24.04 implemented new restrictions for AppImage apps, which restricts the use of sandboxes. run this command to deactive restriction:

sudo sysctl -w kernel.apparmor_restrict_unprivileged_userns=0

electron/electron#42510

does it need to be run after reboots?

[Enkumicahel]

I searched this solution, i worked for me: Ubuntu 24.04 implemented new restrictions for AppImage apps, which restricts the use of sandboxes. run this command to deactive restriction:
sudo sysctl -w kernel.apparmor_restrict_unprivileged_userns=0
electron/electron#42510

does it need to be run after reboots?

This worked for me on Ubuntu 24.04.

Thanks for sharing @amacfie-tc 🙏🏿

This can be closed since it has nothing to do with Cursor.

[antonkulaga]

Thanks for sharing @amacfie-tc 🙏🏿

This can be closed since it has nothing to do with Cursor.

I disagree. Ubuntu is major linux repo, and it is disgraceful that cursor team cannot properly package appimage for linux

[meawoppl]

Still an issue on:

meawoppl@XXXXX:~/$ sudo lsb_release -a
No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID:	Ubuntu
Description:	Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS
Release:	24.04
Codename:	noble

[vojavocni]

@antonkulaga Agreed, if this doesn't get resolved soon, I am moving away from my cursor subscription.

[utajum]

0.46.x stopped working entirely on Linux When started from cli it was especially broken and did not detach in the background That major version was pulled, so fingers crossed, the person tasked to fix that problem will fix this issue as well.

…

On Fri, Feb 28, 2025, 09:38 Aleksandar Jovanovic ***@***.***> wrote: @antonkulaga <https://github.com./antonkulaga> Agreed, if this doesn't get resolved soon, I am moving away from cursor. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#1465 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com./notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AB5INLGEVW2BAAHUNLHEBE32SAN7FAVCNFSM6AAAAABIGEGHO6VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZDMOJQGA2DSMRVGM> . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.***> [image: vojavocni]*vojavocni* left a comment (getcursor/cursor#1465) <#1465 (comment)> @antonkulaga <https://github.com./antonkulaga> Agreed, if this doesn't get resolved soon, I am moving away from cursor. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#1465 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com./notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AB5INLGEVW2BAAHUNLHEBE32SAN7FAVCNFSM6AAAAABIGEGHO6VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZDMOJQGA2DSMRVGM> . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[ae9is]

Cursor is a great product, but I don't understand why a tool made for software developers would not consider Ubuntu Linux a target audience. Is the percentage of users on Linux on Cursor so low as to be irrelevant? Because this issue completely breaks the new user experience and it looks like it's been almost a year.

Windsurf just had this issue and it was patched in one business day. With an easy upgrade via "apt upgrade" as is standard on Debian-like Linux.

[inimitable]

I thought this must have been some weird one-off bug, but nope, apparently they're not packaging right for Ubuntu.

Okay, folks, if your business is an AI code completion editor that lets you be a 10xer, and you can't package your app for the most common distro... are you being a 10xer yet? :)

[yuchenli-sony]

still bugs can't fix?

[Dafaque]

Refound?