Cannot activate block at world height from top

Right-clicking the top of a block at y=256 will always show the message "Height limit for building is 256 blocks".
The message is shown, no matter the block type or what the player is holding. Chests can only be opened from the side.
Getting a block into this position is only possible with commands or pistons.

This probably relates to MC-69990, but is not the same, as that's about placing the block. This issue is about activating the block