[BUG] "The application xx is not open anymore"

[skoobasteeve]

Describe the bug
Using a rebranded version of the application, when running it as a Notification Center alert, sometimes when the notification is clicked a macOS error appears as below, saying "The application $rebranded_name is not open anymore".

The script continues as normal and action is taken based on what the user clicked, but this error message shows about 1/3 of the time. I can't confirm for sure, but it appears to happen when the user waits more than 5-10 minutes before clicking the notification.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Rebrand IBM Notifier and deploy the package to a machine via JAMF.
2. Run the rebranded IBM Notifier package with a script deployed from JAMF, calling -type alert
3. User waits 5-10 minutes, then clicks on the notification.
4. See error

Expected behavior
Script should continue without showing the error.

Screenshots
Here's my script code:

#!/bin/bash

pending_updates=$(tail -n -1 /var/log/auto-update.log | awk '{ print $8 }')
notifier_path="/Applications/Utilities/Riskified Notifier.app/Contents/MacOS/Riskified Notifier"

BANNER_TITLE="App Updates Available"
BANNER_SUBTITLE="You have ${pending_updates} pending updates, click to install."
BUTTON_LABEL="Update"

# Runs on error, reporting the error w/ line number and exiting.
function error()
{
    local parent_lineno="$1"
    local message="$2"
    local code="${3:-1}"
    if [[ -n "$message" ]] ; then
        echo "Error on or near line ${parent_lineno}: ${message}; exiting with status ${code}"
    else
        echo "Error on or near line ${parent_lineno}; exiting with status ${code}"
    fi

    exit "${code}"
}

# Any error will trigger the above error() function and exit
trap 'error ${LINENO}' ERR

# Get logged in user
loggedInUser=$( echo "show State:/Users/ConsoleUser" | /usr/sbin/scutil |
               /usr/bin/awk '/Name :/ && ! /loginwindow/ { print $3 }' )
loggedInUID=$(/usr/bin/id -u "$loggedInUser" 2>/dev/null)

# Check for logged in user
if [[ -z "$loggedInUser" ]]; then
    echo "No logged in user. Exiting..." >&2; exit 1
else
	echo "User "${loggedInUser}" is logged in"
fi

# Check for notifier application
if [ ! -f "$notifier_path" ]; then
    echo "Notifier application not present. Exiting..." >&2; exit 1
fi

# Show notification if updates are pending, exit if none
if [[ $pending_updates -gt 0 ]]; then
    echo "${pending_updates} updates pending. Sending notification..."
    command_result=$(/bin/launchctl asuser "$loggedInUID" "$notifier_path" -type alert -title "$BANNER_TITLE" -subtitle "$BANNER_SUBTITLE" -main_button_label "$BUTTON_LABEL"; echo $?)
else
    echo "No updates pending. Exiting..."
    exit 0
fi

# Open Auto-Update application if notification is clicked
if [ "$command_result" -eq 0 ] 2>/dev/null; then
    echo "Notification clicked. Opening Auto-Update..."
    /bin/launchctl asuser "$loggedInUID" open -a "/Applications/Managed Software Center.app"
elif [ "$command_result" -eq 239 ] 2>/dev/null; then
    echo "Notification closed. Exiting..."
else
    echo "Error ${command_result}"
fi

Desktop (please complete the following information):

• OS: macOS 13.0.1
• Project version: 2.9.1 Build 96

[bubolev]

I'm having the same issue. In my case, it happens if I try to click on notification immediately after it appears. (can be even reproduced in Xcode). I can reproduce it in 10 from 10 cases with alerts, didn't test it with another types.

Best regards,
Evgenii

[SMartorelli]

As we're unable to reproduce the issue, I'm transitioning this to a discussion thread where individuals can share their experiences. Additionally, I've established a new wiki page dedicated to tracking these sporadic issues, which are likely resultant from macOS anomalies or incorrect workflows.