Updated Apple Kernel Extension

[Tobsen]

I just got the the message that an Apple System Extension got updated, it's signed with Apple, Inc. Anyone with the same message? Why will Apple update an extension not via software update? Is there a way to see which kext this is?

(Sorry, the Screenshots are in German)

 

[mgdominguez]

This just happened to me. I put my Macboo Pro to sleep last night and when I tried to wake it up today it did a start up boot with two chimes. Apparently it crashed at some point during the night. I got the message twice with two separate approvals and reboots.

So far it seems to work ok, but no idea what happened.

 

[Stike]

I got the same alert. I don't trust this - Apple never updated system software outside of their regular system updates. It also states nowhere what is being updated.

I will not install this and wait for confirmation first.

BTW I am in Germany as well.

 

[SketchyClown]

I can't read the German but I can say 100% that I have never, ever, in nearly 20yrs had OSX/macOS ever ask me to approve the installation of an "Apple kernel extension".

 

[Unsupported]

I can't read the German but I can say 100% that I have never, ever, in nearly 20yrs had OSX/macOS ever ask me to approve the installation of an "Apple kernel extension".

Apple deprecating macOS kernel extensions (KEXTs) is a great win for security

Apple kernel extension APIs to be deprecated in macOS 10.15.4.

www.zdnet.com

 

[SketchyClown]

Apple deprecating macOS kernel extensions (KEXTs) is a great win for security

Apple kernel extension APIs to be deprecated in macOS 10.15.4.

www.zdnet.com

Not sure if you were just adding something to the conversation or you just didn't read my post.

If you have ever had to manually approve a kernel extension FROM APPLE in the Security & Preferences pane, please sound off. I was not referring to 3rd party extensions, which is what the depreciation refers to.

 

[Stike]

I had a Twitter chat with AppleSupport, but they can't seem to put a finger on what it is about:

To confirm, have you seen this pop up multiple times? If so, do you see it when using a specific app? Have you seen this pop-up prior to installing macOS Big Sur?
(I denied the question, only once so far)
Let us know if the message reappears during normal use of your Mac. We’ll be here when you need us.

Not super helpful, but after I did not allow the system extension there has been no further request to allow it.
STRANGE, REALLY.

 

[Unsupported]

Not sure if you were just adding something to the conversation or you just didn't read my post.

I was adding "something", and yes, I did read your post which talked about "the installation of an "Apple kernel extension""

I'll "sound off" if you wish. I've been using Macs since 1995.

Perhaps the OP should look at "System information..." in "Installations" by "Install date" to see if anything was actually installed?

And by the way, the OP didn't say he'd been asked to approve the installation "in the Security & Preferences pane". I don't have that pane, only one called "Security & Privacy".

Now that the Flash Player has been made obsolete I was wondering if this was a similar ruse to trick the user into downloading malware? ?

 

[SketchyClown]

I'll "sound off" if you wish. I've been using Macs since 1995.

And by the way, the OP didn't say he'd been asked to approve the installation "in the Security & Preferences pane". I don't have that pane, only one called "Security & Privacy".

Oh dear, I have ruffled someones dendrites. Glad to see it only took you 26 years to make it here.

Yes it is Security & Privacy pane in System Preferences. You get a gold star.

The OP didn't state it, his German screenshots seem to show the button to approve a kernel extension.

He didn't however state he gave it approval, so likely nothing did get installed.

I will agree with you on one thing. It could easily be a ruse to install some form of malware.

 

[Unsupported]

I will agree with you on one thing.

I'll settle for that.

 

[Unsupported]

Oh dear, I have ruffled someones dendrites.

ROTFLMFAO!

Dendrite - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Unsupported]

Glad to see it only took you 26 years to make it here.

It beats your "nearly 20yrs", don't it? Eh? ?

 

[SketchyClown]

It beats your "nearly 20yrs", don't it? Eh? ?

Yeah, but at least I can address multiple points in a single reply posting that takes you 3 separate ones.

 

[SketchyClown]

I had a Twitter chat with AppleSupport, but they can't seem to put a finger on what it is about:

​

Not super helpful, but after I did not allow the system extension there has been no further request to allow it.
STRANGE, REALLY.

Steering things back to the OP.

It is strange. I know when installing 3rd party software that requires authorizing a kernel extension, you'd get that popup during the installation to go to Security & Privacy & click Allow. However, if you didn't click it, it would disappear after the software installation completed. To get another chance to authorize it, you'd have to re-run the software installation again for it to reappear.

Happening at random is very suspect. I'd still keep your eyes out for any flaky behaviour.

 

[Unsupported]

Yeah, but at least I can address multiple points in a single reply posting that takes you 3 separate ones.

Hey Bozo ? be a little patient with the elderly ?

 

[Unsupported]

Steering things back to the OP.

Happening at random is very suspect. I'd still keep your eyes out for any flaky behaviour.

Maybe scan for malware?

I use VirusBarrier Scanner. I don't know how good it is, but it's free and available at the App Store.

 

[Stike]

I routinely scan for malware with CleanMyMac, and due to my software (Little Snitch and other stuff) I think it is highly unlikely that I just happened to download and run malware.

Never say never though. I will keep my eyes open...