Source- 9to5mac.com
Apple’s macOS Sequoia Introduces New Features But Faces Issues
Apple released macOS Sequoia, the latest version of its operating system, on Monday. The update brings several enhancements, including improved app permissions and a revamped Gatekeeper. While these changes aim to strengthen security, they have unintentionally disrupted third-party security tools. Reports from TechCrunch highlight that tools developed by CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and Microsoft are particularly affected. Additionally, users are encountering issues with third-party VPN connections, raising concerns about the system’s stability.
The root cause of the problem seems to be tied to Sequoia’s firewall. Designed to manage network connections on untrusted networks, the firewall is now being blamed for blocking essential network functions. This issue may go unnoticed by everyday users, as the firewall is usually turned off by default for those on trusted networks. However, for users or enterprises that rely on enhanced security, these disruptions are creating frustration.
Experts Express Concerns OvermacOS Sequoia Firewall Issues
Several experts have weighed in on the problems, pointing to the firewall as a major source of concern. Long-time iOS and macOS security expert Patrick Wardle, who also founded the Objective-See Foundation, expressed disappointment over Apple’s testing process. He mentioned that developers are often blamed for tool malfunctions when the real issue stems from the operating system. In a statement to 9to5Mac, Wardle noted, “It’s incredibly frustrating to have upset users blaming your tools when it’s actually Apple’s fault.” Wardle compared this situation to a similar issue that occurred two years ago with macOS Ventura.
Wardle suspects that the root cause could either be the macOS firewall or a lower-level networking subsystem that corrupts network packets. These unintentional changes are affecting the functionality of third-party security tools, leaving developers and users in a difficult position.
Community and Researcher Insights on Firewall Flaws
The security community has also voiced concerns about macOS Sequoia. Vulnerability researcher Will Dormann shared that DNS requests over networks are being blocked when the firewall is set to “Block incoming connections,” which unexpectedly includes DNS responses. Dormann pointed out that this issue did not exist in previous macOS versions, indicating a possible bug in the new firewall.
Dormann further noted that Sequoia’s firewall graphical user interface (GUI) does not properly sync with the actual firewall rules, making it harder for users to modify or adjust settings. This problem is particularly troublesome for those using older Mac models. While Apple has yet to issue an official statement, the tech community is actively discussing potential fixes and workarounds, with many suggesting disabling the firewall as a temporary solution.
Overall, while macOS Sequoia offers new security features, the disruptions caused by its firewall have left users and developers grappling with unexpected issues.
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