Apple's latest macOS update is disrupting 3rd-party security tools, browsers
What's the story
Apple's latest operating system, macOS Sequoia, has reportedly caused disruptions for users of third-party security products and web browsers. The issues are believed to be linked to firewall-related problems within the new operating system. TechCrunch reported that the update has impacted the functionality of various security tools developed by companies like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne. Microsoft's security tools have also been affected according to social media posts and messages in a Mac-focused Slack channel.
Network issues
Sequoia's network changes impact security tools
The exact cause of these disruptions remains unclear, but they seem to be related to network or firewall issues. A CrowdStrike sales engineer stated in a Mac Admins Slack chatroom that there were significant changes in the network stack of macOS Sequoia. These modifications have led to a delay in CrowdStrike's support for the new operating system. The same engineer revealed similar problems are being tracked with other vendors and that they have submitted feedback and a case to Apple.
Caution advised
Security firms advise caution with latest macOS update
In response to the issues, SentinelOne has advised users against updating their operating systems due to problems with macOS Sequoia. Similarly, ESET has alerted its users about a network-related issue with the new OS and recommended them to update their ESET software to the latest version compatible with macOS Sequoia. These advisories underscore the ongoing challenges faced by third-party security firms in adapting to Apple's latest operating system update.
Firewall glitches
Researchers confirm firewall-related problems
Independent security researchers have also reported similar issues with macOS Sequoia. Will Dormann and Waclaw Jacek both noted firewall-related and DNS problems in the new OS. Dormann highlighted an issue where blocking incoming connections within the macOS Sequoia firewall can also block replies to DNS requests, causing disruptions. He further pointed out that this problem affects Chrome and Chromium-based browsers on macOS Sequoia, causing large downloads to stall when incoming connections for Google Chrome are blocked in the firewall.
User experiences
Firefox users also report similar issues
Reddit users have also reported problems with the Firefox web browser on macOS Sequoia. Some users encountered difficulties when changing their firewall settings to allow incoming connections to Firefox. However, others have suggested potential solutions and workarounds for these firewall-related problems. Despite these challenges, it's important to note that Apple has just released macOS Sequoia and there's always potential for unpatched bugs or issues that may be addressed in future updates.