GOING CRAZY! Little Snitch blocks Software Update

[neonlaundry]

Subject says it all!

Dilemma:

I try to perform a Software Update, but as soon as I pull it up I get a "Cannot connect to server" message. I have been on the phone with AppleCare, but while on hold with a tech help guy I turned Little Snitch off. This ended up allowing Software Update to connect to the server.

I told the AppleCare guy, I'd call back if I couldn't figure it out, but I doubt they'll help me work through a Little Snitch issue.

I know Software Update tries to connect via port 80, but so do tons of other apps.

I can't find anything that's blocking anything through system preferences. I can't figure it out.

Can anyone help. I'm a bit scatterbrained by this point, so if I haven't given some info needed, let me know.

Thanks guys

 

[gorn]

It sounds like you have little snitch blocking software update, as the default is to ask. Check the Little Snitch Configuration and delete the entry for software update, then it will prompt for any connection. If that doesn't work you could try whitelisting software update:

Go to the Little Snitch Configuration, click the Plus button, Chose the application (/System/Library/CoreServices/Software Update), allow any server any port any protocol.

If you want to be more strict than that this is what I have. I just did it by adding whenever software update tried to use it. I imagine you blocked

action: allow
process: /System/Library/CoreServices/Software Update.app/Contents/MacOS/Software Update
destination: swcdn.apple.com.edgesuite.net
port: 80
protocol: 6
help: wants to connect to swcdn.apple.com.edgesuite.net on TCP port 80 (http).

action: allow
process: /System/Library/CoreServices/Software Update.app/Contents/MacOS/Software Update
destination: swquery.apple.com
port: 80
protocol: 6
help: wants to connect to swquery.apple.com on TCP port 80 (http).

action: allow
process: /System/Library/CoreServices/Software Update.app/Contents/MacOS/Software Update
destination: swscan.apple.com
port: 80
protocol: 6
help: wants to connect to swscan.apple.com on TCP port 80 (http).

 

[jkommisar]

Thank You

When I migrate to a new iMac 21.5 from my old 2007 MacBook Pro, I start to have this problem. I was unable to solve it because there was no entry in LS rules of software update, nor did LS ask me to allow or denied Software update...???
Following the recipe in your answer solved my problem!!! thank You!
J Kommisar

 

[kitt050383]

Update Little Snitch!

Hi all I had the same problem. You Just need to update Little Snitch.

http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/releasenotes.html

They finally fixed the issue for me on the last update they did.

-kitt

 

[gorskiegangsta]

That's interesting. By default, LittleSnitch shouldn't block important system services. I recently installed the latest version and it automatically appended "allow" rules to system services, as well as some default apps. Which version of LittleSnitch are you running?