For those interested, the fix that perrin refers to above is as follows:

Found this somewhere back when this bug first appeared in mod_perl:

# work-around for mod_perl
my $tie_stdin = tied *STDIN;
untie *STDIN if $tie_stdin;

# insert open2() or open3() statement after the above
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Gerald,

It is a mod_perl bug, but I would consider putting it in the FAQ. Would probably be very helpful to people.

I started work on converting the existing code to use IPC::Run, but hadn't finished by the end of the day today .. so I may put that on hold and try this fix instead.

++beer!

Update: Added clarification in first paragraph as to the source of the fix.

Well, just tried this fix, and it didn't change the error that pops out.

I'm still getting

Can't locate object method "FILENO" via package
"Apache::RequestRec" at /usr/lib/perl5/5.8.0/IPC/Open3.pm line 196
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FWIW, STDIN was defined when I unTIEd it, but it made no difference to the behaviour.

I'll go back to working on the IPC::Run approach now.

I'm certain you could get a fix or workaround for this on the mod_perl list if you want one.