"Unexpected end of JSON input" error when a cached org definition file is bad

[aidan-harding]

Summary

It seems to be a recurring problem that users of the CLI can end up with a bad org definition file in ~/.sfdx. And when that happens, the CLI is unable to list orgs. Instead it gives the message "Unexpected end of JSON input".

See, for example, https://salesforce.stackexchange.com/questions/391686/vs-code-unexpected-end-of-json-input-error-when-changing-the-default-org

My team and I hit this infrequently enough to have to Google the cause, and it's a show-stopper until you realise what happened.

Steps To Reproduce:

cat > ~/.sfdx/[email protected]
(Press ^D)
sfdx force:org:list   

Expected result

A list of the orgs that actually work

Actual result

Error (1): Unexpected end of JSON input

System Information

• Which shell/terminal are you using? (e.g. bash, zsh, powershell 5, powershell 7, cmd.exe, etc.)
  zsh

• If you are using sfdx

  • Run sfdx version --verbose --json

{
  "cliVersion": "sfdx-cli/7.196.8",
  "architecture": "darwin-x64",
  "nodeVersion": "node-v18.15.0",
  "osVersion": "Darwin 22.4.0",
  "shell": "zsh",
  "rootPath": "/Users/aidan/.local/share/sfdx/client/7.196.8-16a11d1",
  "pluginVersions": [
    "@dx-cli-toolbox/sfdx-toolbox-package-utils 0.8.4 (user)",
    "@mshanemc/plugin-streaming 1.1.7 (user)",
    "@mshanemc/sfdx-sosl 1.1.0 (user)",
    "@oclif/plugin-autocomplete 2.1.8 (user)",
    "@oclif/plugin-commands 2.2.13 (core)",
    "@oclif/plugin-help 5.2.9 (user)",
    "@oclif/plugin-not-found 2.3.23 (core)",
    "@oclif/plugin-plugins 2.4.4 (core)",
    "@oclif/plugin-search 0.0.15 (core)",
    "@oclif/plugin-update 3.1.9 (core)",
    "@oclif/plugin-version 1.3.2 (core)",
    "@oclif/plugin-warn-if-update-available 2.0.33 (core)",
    "@oclif/plugin-which 2.2.18 (core)",
    "@salesforce/analytics 1.3.0 (user)",
    "apex 2.2.10 (core)",
    "auth 2.7.11 (core)",
    "community 2.2.9 (core)",
    "custom-metadata 2.1.11 (core)",
    "data 2.3.9 (core)",
    "deploy-retrieve 1.8.12 (core)",
    "info 2.6.4 (core)",
    "limits 2.3.12 (core)",
    "org 2.6.12 (core)",
    "packaging 1.16.3 (core)",
    "schema 2.3.6 (core)",
    "settings 1.4.3 (core)",
    "signups 1.4.11 (core)",
    "source 2.9.4 (core)",
    "telemetry 2.1.3 (core)",
    "templates 55.4.5 (core)",
    "trust 2.4.6 (core)",
    "user 2.3.7 (core)",
    "@salesforce/sfdx-plugin-lwc-test 1.0.1 (core)",
    "sfdmu 4.26.10 (user)",
    "sfdx-cli 7.196.8 (core)",
    "sfdx-hardis 3.13.1 (user)",
    "shane-sfdx-plugins 4.43.0 (user)"
  ]
}

Additional information

Feel free to attach a screenshot.

[github-actions]

Thank you for filing this issue. We appreciate your feedback and will review the issue as soon as possible. Remember, however, that GitHub isn't a mechanism for receiving support under any agreement or SLA. If you require immediate assistance, contact Salesforce Customer Support.

[git2gus]

This issue has been linked to a new work item: W-13039897

[shetzel]

This is now in the latest CLIs: sfdx 7.208.10 / sf 1.85.8