I’m encountering an issue with a script that generates PDFs using Puppeteer, which is invoked through a PHP file utilizing shell_exec. Previously, this setup was functional on an older server, but after my VPS was upgraded to Cloudlinux 8.10, it’s no longer operational. The invocation from my PHP script looks like this:
$pdfOutput = shell_exec(‘node ’ . dirname(FILE) . ‘/generatePdf.js ’ . $documentUrl . ’ 2>&1’);
. In my script, the browser is initialized like this:
const puppeteerBrowser = await puppeteer.launch({ headless: true, args: [’–no-sandbox’] }); const [webPage] = await puppeteerBrowser.pages();
. Both my old and new VPS run Apache 2.4 and Cpanel, but I cannot recall if any specific configurations were necessary to get everything working. The script executes properly from the command line for both root and other users, but it fails when initiated through PHP, displaying this error:
Unable to start the browser process! …/…/base/allocator/partition_allocator/partition_address_space.cc(49) Check failed: reserved_base_address_
. I reviewed the troubleshooting documentation yet found no solutions. Upon further investigation, I noticed that the Apache server operates under the ‘nobody’ user, which might be restricted in its capabilities. After changing permissions on Puppeteer’s Chromium directory and installing Chromium via
yum install chromium-browser, the error persists with no additional details. Despite verifying the executing user’s permissions, the issue remains unresolved during browser access.
The issue you're facing with Puppeteer when running it via a PHP script on your VPS might be related to permission restrictions or environment differences between your command-line execution and the Apache server environment.
Here's a structured approach to diagnose and potentially solve this issue:
- Verify Environment Variables:
Ensure that all environment variables required by Node.js and Puppeteer are properly set when executing through PHP. Sometimes, variables like PATH might not be identical in the Apache server's environment. Consider logging these environment variables to diagnose any discrepancies.
- Adjust Security Context:
Since Apache runs under a 'nobody' user, it might indeed be restricted from executing processes. You can try setting PermissionExec in your Apache httpd.conf or via .htaccess to allow for executing scripts.
- Modify Puppeteer Launch Options:
Try experimenting with different settings in your Puppeteer launch options. Adding extra arguments might help in bypassing restrictions:
const puppeteerBrowser = await puppeteer.launch({
headless: true,
args: [
'--no-sandbox',
'--disable-setuid-sandbox',
'--single-process',
'--no-zygote'
]
});
- Check SELinux Settings:
CloudLinux typically involves SELinux, which might be blocking the execution. Temporarily set SELinux to permissive mode for testing:
setenforce 0
If this resolves the issue, you'll need to craft appropriate policies to allow Puppeteer executions.
- Use Node Version Manager (NVM):
If possible, try using NVM to ensure that Node.js works consistently across different environments (CLI vs Apache).
- Log Output and Errors:
Redirect logs and errors to a file for more detailed examination:
$pdfOutput = shell_exec('node ' . dirname(__FILE__) . '/generatePdf.js ' . $documentUrl . ' 2>&1 > /path/to/logfile.txt');
This can provide you with additional insights on what's failing.
These steps should give you a clearer direction on where the issue might lie and how you can potentially resolve it. Adjustments in server permissions and environment preparation are often necessary when switching server environments or configurations. If the error persists, you may need to consult with server administration for deeper insights into permissions and security settings.
Hi Ethan,
It seems your issue might be connected to environment limitations or permission issues when executing Puppeteer via PHP.
Consider these approaches:
- Environment Variables: PHP's execution environment may differ from the CLI. Log those variables to check for differences.
- Apache Permissions: Modify your Apache configuration to ensure that the relevant permissions are in place for executing external scripts. Using
.htaccess to manage permissions can also help.
- Puppeteer Options: Try additional launch flags:
const puppeteerBrowser = await puppeteer.launch({
headless: true,
args: [
'--no-sandbox',
'--disable-setuid-sandbox',
'--single-process',
'--no-zygote'
]
});
- SELinux: Temporarily set SELinux to permissive to test if it's causing the block:
setenforce 0
- Check Logs: Redirect outputs to a log file to catch errors:
$pdfOutput = shell_exec('node ' . dirname(__FILE__) . '/generatePdf.js ' . $documentUrl . ' 2>&1 > /path/to/logfile.txt');
These steps should help you address the problem. If it persists, further server-specific configurations might be required.
The challenge you're encountering with Puppeteer involving its execution through PHP on a Cloudlinux environment often involves both permission settings and environmental differences between direct command-line execution and usage via a web server like Apache.
Consider these focused strategies:
- Investigate Environment Variables: PHP's execution context under Apache may have different environment variables compared to the CLI. Log these variables by executing a simple PHP script that prints environment variables to help identify discrepancies.
- Apache User Permissions: Given Apache runs processes under the 'nobody' or 'httpd' user, it may face restrictions. Ensure the user has the necessary permissions for Chromium and Puppeteer. Examine the
sudoers file to permit specific execution rights, if needed.
- Modify Puppeteer Execution Parameters: Try adjusting the Puppeteer launch options to address any potential restrictions. Additional arguments could help bypass issues:
const puppeteerBrowser = await puppeteer.launch({
headless: true,
args: [
'--no-sandbox',
'--disable-setuid-sandbox',
'--single-process',
'--no-zygote',
'--disable-dev-shm-usage'
]
});
- Assess SELinux Configurations: Since CloudLinux often enforces SELinux, set it to permissive mode temporarily to identify if it’s the culprit:
setenforce 0
If this helps, create tailored SELinux policies to specifically allow Puppeteer.
- Comprehensive Logging: Redirect detailed logs both from your
shell_exec invocation and from within your Node.js script to better understand failures:
$pdfOutput = shell_exec('node ' . dirname(__FILE__) . '/generatePdf.js ' . $documentUrl . ' 2>&1 > /var/log/puppeteer_error.log');
Integrating a logger within the Node.js script might provide additional insights.
These approaches should provide a pathway towards diagnosing and resolving the issue, taking into account the nuances of environment and user restrictions. If the problem persists, deeper analysis of the server's security configurations, potentially in collaboration with server administrators, might be warranted.
Hi Ethan,
The issue you're facing often boils down to permission and environment discrepancies when executing Puppeteer via PHP on your new VPS setup. Here’s a practical, results-focused approach to tackle the problem:
- Check Environment Variables: The environment under which your PHP script runs might differ from the CLI. To diagnose, log environment variables to verify any discrepancies in paths or settings that could affect Puppeteer.
- Adjust Apache Permissions: Your Apache server running as 'nobody' could limit script execution. You might need to configure appropriate permissions in your Apache
httpd.conf or .htaccess file to allow script execution.
- Update Puppeteer Launch Arguments: Modify launch options to fit the server environment:
const puppeteerBrowser = await puppeteer.launch({
headless: true,
args: [
'--no-sandbox',
'--disable-setuid-sandbox',
'--single-process',
'--no-zygote'
]
});
- Review SELinux Policies: CloudLinux might utilize SELinux which can block Puppeteer. Temporarily switch SELinux to permissive mode with:
setenforce 0
If this resolves your issue, you'll need to configure SELinux to allow Puppeteer.
- Deep Dive with Logs: Capture output and errors in a log file to gain insights:
$pdfOutput = shell_exec('node ' . dirname(__FILE__) . '/generatePdf.js ' . $documentUrl . ' 2>&1 > /your/log/path.txt');
Applying these steps should guide you towards resolving your Puppeteer issue. Adjust your server's permissions and configurations to reinforce stability across server operations.
Hey Ethan,
It sounds like your issue could be related to permissions or environment differences. Here’s a streamlined approach to tackle this:
- Log Environment Variables: Differences can arise between CLI and Apache. Log the variables to identify any issues.
- Adjust Apache Permissions: Since Apache runs under 'nobody', ensure it has rights to execute your scripts. Modify
httpd.conf or use .htaccess.
- Alter Puppeteer Options: Add these flags:
const puppeteerBrowser = await puppeteer.launch({
headless: true,
args: [
'--no-sandbox',
'--disable-setuid-sandbox',
'--single-process',
'--no-zygote'
]
});
- Check SELinux: CloudLinux uses SELinux, which can block certain operations. Test by setting it to permissive:
setenforce 0
- Log Errors: Redirect error output to a file for more details:
$pdfOutput = shell_exec('node ' . dirname(__FILE__) . '/generatePdf.js ' . $documentUrl . ' 2>&1 > /path/to/errors.log');
Implement these to see if they resolve your issue. Adjust configurations as needed and you should be good to go!