Network Extension

RSS for tag

Customize and extend the core networking features of iOS, iPad OS, and macOS using Network Extension.

Posts under Network Extension tag

200 Posts

Post

Replies

Boosts

Views

Activity

What is the officially supported method to automatically start a NETransparentProxyProvider after user login?
We are developing a DLP agent that uses a NETransparentProxyProvider to perform traffic inspection and modification. Our architecture currently includes: LaunchAgent, which monitors user session activity (login/logout, session activation) Container App, which: installs and activates a System Extension creates and saves the NETransparentProxyManager configuration starts the transparent proxy via startVPNTunnel. We would like to automate the startup of the Transparent Proxy for all users, including newly created users, in a way that is fully supported by macOS. We are looking for official guidance on the correct and supported mechanism for starting a user‑level Network Extension (specifically NETransparentProxyProvider) automatically at user login. Questions: What is the recommended and supported way to automatically start a NETransparentProxyProvider at user login? Are there any constraints or best practices we should follow when designing an automatic startup flow for a Network Extension such as NETransparentProxyProvider? We would appreciate official clarification on the supported deployment patterns for starting a user‑level Transparent Proxy Network Extension automatically in multi‑user enterprise environments.
2
0
302
3w
NEFilterDataProvider development-signed bypass no longer working on iOS 26.4.2 — regression or intentional?
Hi, Has the get-task-allow development bypass for NEFilterDataProvider been intentionally removed or changed in iOS 26? Previous DTS guidance in thread/31109 confirmed this bypass existed. I note that WWDC 2025 Session 234 states "iOS system-wide content filter is supported on supervised devices only" without mentioning it. My production deployment is supervised MDM devices — I am purely asking about the development testing path, which is not working for me on iOS 26.4.2. All I get is NEConfigurationErrorDomain Code=10 "permission denied" before my app code even runs. Thank you!
1
0
191
3w
NEFilterDataProvider activation on consumer iOS — saveToPreferences fails (code 5), .mobileconfig requires MDM
Hello, I'm developing a gambling blocker app that uses NEFilterDataProvider. My app was approved on the App Store, but the core feature doesn't work for end users. I have the content-filter-provider entitlement. Issue 1 — saveToPreferences() fails in distribution builds In dev builds (Xcode direct install), NEFilterManager.saveToPreferences() works fine — iOS shows a permission dialog and the filter is registered. In distribution builds (TestFlight/App Store), it fails immediately: NEFilterErrorDomain code 5 — Operation not permitted Console log from nehelper: "Creating a content filter configuration is only allowed through profile in production version" Issue 2 — .mobileconfig profile requires MDM Following the Console hint, I tried a .mobileconfig profile with com.apple.webcontent-filter payload (ContentFilterUUID, FilterType: Plugin, PluginBundleID). On an unsupervised consumer iPhone (iOS 18.5), installation fails: Profile Installation Failed — MDM required Question: What is the correct mechanism to activate a NEFilterDataProvider on a consumer (non-MDM) iPhone in a distribution build? Is there a specific entitlement or approval process I'm missing? (DTS Case-ID: 20087732)
8
0
431
2d
Onboarding OHTTP relay
One thing I wanted to confirm, suppose i submit one request to onboard OHTTP relay for one organisation app and it gets approved, so can I re submit the request with different bundle ID for other organisation and same PIR server, same OHTTP server ? Or do we need different domain name ?
1
0
197
3w
Best practices for blocking traffic: Transparent Proxy vs Content Filter, and Multiple Network Extensions
Hello, I am working on a DLP system for macOS. The application must analyze and potentially block network traffic. Currently, I am using NETransparentProxyProvider for traffic analysis and looking for the best solution to block network traffic. I believe the blocking can be implemented by capturing the flow and choosing not to proxy/forward it further (dropping it). However, I am unsure how the OS and other applications will react to this approach. As far as I know, macOS provides a dedicated NEFilterDataProvider (Content Filter) specifically designed for traffic filtering and blocking. I have two questions regarding the architecture: Is it safe to block flows directly using a Transparent Proxy? Will dropping/ignoring the flow without forwarding it cause any unexpected system behavior, socket hangups, or performance issues? Or is it highly recommended to strictly use a Content Filter (NEFilterDataProvider) for the blocking aspect? Can a single container app install and manage more than one Network Extension in the system? For example, if the best practice dictates separating the logic, can my single DLP macOS application bundle and install both a Transparent Proxy (for analysis/routing) and a Content Filter (for blocking) simultaneously? Thank you in advance!
2
0
306
4w
M5 Pro - macOS Tahoe 26.4.1 crashes almost immediately after connecting to a VPN
Hello Everyone, Like probably several other Enterprise customers and more, we have been bitten by a bug with regards to VPN and Endpoint Security and the new M5 / M5 Pro SoCs shipping in the latest MacBook devices. I have raised the following feedback IDFB22753954 (which itself references an internal issue I believe, if we need to mark it as a dupe: 172793638 ). The technical sequence leading to the crash is as follows I believe: The macOS system process neagent successfully initializes the GlobalProtect network extension. The GP Network extension transitions from an 'inactive' state to a 'running' state. As network traffic begins flowing through the extension, a critical flaw in the macOS kernel's memory allocation (specifically related to the Apple Network Extension framework) is triggered. This memory management failure at the kernel level results in a kernel panic at an unpredictable point during packet processing. Because this is a core operating system vulnerability, any third-party application or security solution that leverages Apple's Network Extension framework is susceptible to these crashes. This has been confirmed across multiple vendors within the cybersecurity industry from what I understand. Crashes_M5Pro_1.txt Thank you in advance for your help! Kind Regards, Goffredo
5
0
514
May ’26
Detect Configuration Profile state change (DoH .mobileconfig) without VPN/MDM/supervised — any API I missed?
Is there any iOS API, framework, or entitlement (public or beta) that lets an app detect when a user disables or removes a Configuration Profile (specifically a DNS-over-HTTPS profile) — without VPN extension, MDM, or supervised mode? Use case: I need to know server-side, in real time, when the user toggles off a .mobileconfig DoH profile they previously installed. Things I've already reviewed and ruled out: NetworkExtension (NEDNSSettingsManager — only fires while app is running) BGTaskScheduler (iOS-scheduled, not real-time) NEFilterDataProvider (requires supervised) VPN / MDM / supervised Anything I'm missing?
1
0
191
May ’26
Best practices for bypassing critical system daemons in NETransparentProxyProvider
Hello, I am working on a network security and DLP (Data Loss Prevention) solution. A core requirement of our architecture is the ability to modify network traffic payloads in-flight (e.g., stripping sensitive data or altering packets). So, the only way to implement this is via the NETransparentProxyProvider which allows us to handle, evaluate, and modify network flows (NEAppProxyFlow). However, because this is such a powerful mechanism, my primary goal is to ensure the absolute stability of the operating system. I want to minimize the risk of interfering with core Apple services. When evaluating a flow, I have access to NEFlowMetaData, specifically properties like sourceAppUniqueIdentifier and sourceAppAuditToken. Could you please assist me with the following questions: Is there a recommended list of Apple system Application IDs (Bundle IDs) or executable names that should be strictly bypassed (ignored) by the Network Extension to maintain system integrity? Since system daemons can change between OS releases, are there any programmatic best practices or specific rules to dynamically identify core OS traffic that must not be intercepted? Are there any specific network ports or protocols that Apple strongly recommends excluding from NENetworkRule matches at the proxy provider configuration level to ensure daemons like apsd or mDNSResponder function correctly? Thank you in advance.
2
0
307
May ’26
XPC connection broken on app & extension upgrade
Post app update our extension version is replaced with the new version. However occasionally maybe around 20% of the time The XPC connection we have for communication between the app and extension will not work. We have reconnection retry logic as well as tried stop and starting the extension but it appears once its broken its broken and all that fixes it is a machine restart. This is obviously not ideal. I have noticed a few other forums talking about the same or similar problem. https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/728063 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/779395 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/742992 When we run on a broken upgrade cycle `sudo launchctl print system/NetworkExtension.com.company.example.app.filter.5.5.0.2248 ` We notice that endpoints is missing from the log. However if we run the same command in terminal for a working upgrade cycle endpoints = {} exist. Therefore for some reason our xpc isn't actually getting registered.
1
0
321
May ’26
Is it possible to locally test a Network Extension without a paid development account?
I've searched these terms all over the place and have found only a confusing mishmash of things that were probably true years ago but no longer seem to reflect today's reality so I'm posting it here to hopefully add a definitive 2026 answer to these search results for myself and others. The existence of the DNS Proxy Network Extension protocol in 10.15 has given me an idea. I would like to test this idea to see if it is worth developing further or a complete waste of time. This test does not need to run on any device anywhere in the world other than the one in front of me so I would prefer not to spend $100 just to see if I can make a small code fragment do a silly trick. XCode sadly refuses to build my Network Extension target when I only have a "Personal Team" to sign with: Personal development teams, including "XXXX XXXX", do not support the Network Extensions capability. Can this be done or is Apple just 100% pay-to-play nowadays? I have zero problems disabling SIPS or any other consumer grade protections if that will actually achieve my goal but I've read enough comments from people saying it didn't work that I haven't bothered trying. Thanks for reading. OS: 15.7.5 (24G624) XCode Version 26.3 (17C529)
2
0
300
May ’26
M5 kernel panic skmem_slab_free_locked in the presence of a network system extension
I've seen a number of similar posts from other network system extension developers reporting kernel panics on M5 devices in macOS. These kernel panics occur when network system extensions are enabled and are not observed on earlier mac platforms or versions of macOS. Reference: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/821372 In this post, it appears like Apple is aware of a problem as noted by Kevin Elliott in versions of macOS. Do we know if there is any way to work around this problem (short of not enabling a network filter) until a fix is available?
6
0
693
7h
XPC connection broken on app & extension upgrade
After an app update replaces our extension with the new version, the XPC connection between the app and the extension fails to work roughly 20% of the time. Once it's broken, it stays broken — our reconnect/retry logic doesn't recover it, stopping and starting the extension doesn't recover it, and the only thing that fixes it is a full machine restart. This obviously isn't ideal. I've seen a few other threads describing the same or a very similar issue: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/728063 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/779395 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/742992 On a broken upgrade cycle, when we run: sudo launchctl print system/NetworkExtension.com.company.example.app.filter.5.5.0.2248 the endpoints entry is missing from the output entirely. On a working upgrade cycle, the same command shows endpoints = {} is present. So it looks like our XPC service isn't actually getting registered with launchd in the broken case. We've tried various changes to our connection logic, but nothing prevents the issue — random upgrades still end up broken with no obvious cause. Is there a known way to recover the XPC registration without requiring a machine restart?
1
0
296
May ’26
Clarification on Priority/Order of a system with multiple network extensions
We have a Man In The Middle proxy that supports all kind of protocols (http, tls, dns, mail protocols, grpc, etc...)... On apple devices we are running it using the Network Extension framework as a NETransparentProxy. First of all, thank you for the framework, took a while to learn the ins and outs but it works nicely and runs smooth... However now that we start to roll it out to customers we see issues here and there.. For most it works fine, but for some that use other proxy/vpn solutions they run into all kind of "connectivity" issues... E.g. some customers run products from companies like zscaler, fortinet, tailscale etc... First we weren't sure if you could even run multiple TransparentProxy's that have the same network capture rules (e.g. the entire TCP range), but turns out that is fine as we tested it with a demo proxy of ours as well as the product version, both deployed as system extensions NETransparentProxy, and it is all fine.. However also here the ordering is not clear? Traffic seems to flow through both but cannot tell what the order is and if the user or we have any control over it. Now... Our proxy is not a VPN and thus not open a tunnel to a remote location. It is local only there to protect the developer. As such in theory it should be compatible with any other VPN and proxy as any traffic we intercept (all traffic) is still ok to go through their proxy/client-vpn and than through a remote tunnel if desired. So the questions I have is: Is there a way, either from within the code or that our users can configure to, on the order of multiple (network extension or other) proxies? Is TransparentProxy the correct solution if I also want compatibility with these other products and want to MITM the traffic? The flows that current work fine are: ClientApp --> NETransparentProxy[ours] --> remote target server clientApp --> L7 HTTP/SOCKS5 Proxy (system or app-defined) --> NETransparentProxy[ours] --> remote target server clientApp --> L7 HTTP/SOCKS5 Proxy (system or app-defined) --> NETransparentProxy[ours/demo] --> NETransparentProxy[demo/ours] --> remote target server However when people also have products from zscaler, fortinet, tailscale or some others it seems to work sometimes but not always, which makes me think it is order defined? What all of them have in common is that they need to go through a remote tunnel, whereas we do not go through a remote tunnel... Which if I am correct (perhaps I am not) should mean that as long as traffic always goes first via us that it should work? e.g. clientApp --> NETransparentProxy[ours] --> NETransparentProxy/Tunnel/...[third party vpn] --> Vpn Server --> remote target server That should in that case just work. But it does not work in case we are behind the (vpn proxy) client. Please let me know if I provide enough detail and if I'm clear? I am mostly wondering about what I can expect in terms of compatibility if there is anything I (or our company user) can do about ordering/priority/something ?
2
0
294
Apr ’26
how to store secret key in/for system extension
Hi. I have a private cryptographic key that I want to generate and store for use by the system extension only (a network extension NETransparentProxyProvider). The ideal properties I want is: only accessible by extension never leave extension not be accessible by root user or other apps Here is what I have tried so far (by/within the system extension): app data container / local storage: this works, but is accessible by root user app data shared container (storage): this works, but also acccessible by root user system keyring: works, but also accesible by root user System extension by itself does not seem to be able to store/load secrets in app protected keyring. The host application however can store in app protected keyring.... So I though, let's use an app group (as access group) and have it like this shared between host and (system) extension... but nop... (system) extension cannot access the secret... Ok... so than I thought: manual low-level XPC calls.... Also that doesn't work, got something almost to work but seemed to require an entire 3rd (launchd/daemon) service.... way to complex for what I want... also seems that as a root user I can use debug tools to also access it There is however the SendMessage/HandleMessage thing available for TransparentProxy.... that does work... but (1) also doesn't seem the most secure (2) the docs clearly state cannot rely on that for this state as the system extension can be started while the host app is not active.... (e.g. at startup) So that is not a solution either.... I went in so many different directions and rabbit holes in the last days.... this feels like a lot harder than it should be? How do other VPN/Proxy like solutions store secrets that are unique to an extension???? I am hoping there is something available here that I am simply missing despite all my effort... any guidance greatly appreciated...
5
0
320
Apr ’26
Need info to bypass system.preferences VPN consent prompt on MDM device for standard user
Hi, We have a macOS app that uses NETransparentProxyManager (Transparent App Proxy) with a NETunnelProviderExtension. The Network Extension is configured and deployed via an MDM configuration profile. The profile is pushed through Intune MDM as a user-enrolled device (Company Portal enrollment, not ADE/supervised). The MDM profile sets up the Transparent Proxy extension as follows (sanitized snippet): <key>VPNType</key> <string>TransparentProxy</string> <key>TransparentProxy</key> <dict> <key>ProviderType</key> <string>app-proxy</string> <key>ProviderBundleIdentifier</key> <string>com.example.app.tunnel</string> <key>ProviderDesignatedRequirement</key> <string>identifier "com.example.app.tunnel" and anchor apple generic and certificate leaf[subject.OU] = TEAMID</string> <key>RemoteAddress</key> <string>100.64.0.0</string> </dict> <key>PayloadScope</key> <string>System</string> What we do in code: Call NETransparentProxyManager.loadAllFromPreferences — this correctly returns the MDM-managed profile (1 profile found) We do not call saveToPreferences — the profile already exists We call NEVPNConnection.startVPNTunnel() to connect and NEVPNConnection.stopVPNTunnel() to disconnect Problem: On a user-enrolled MDM device, when the app is running as a standard user (non-admin), every call to startVPNTunnel() or stopVPNTunnel() triggers the macOS VPN consent dialog: "VPN is trying to modify your system settings. Enter your password to allow this." Console log evidence: Failed to authorize 'system.preferences' by client '/System/Library/ExtensionKit/Extensions/VPN.appex' for authorization created by '/System/Library/ExtensionKit/Extensions/VPN.appex' (-60006) (engine 881) Key observations: Even if the user does not provide the admin credentials in the popup and cancel the window, still things work properly in the background i.e start/stop works. This does not happen for admin users on user-enrolled devices saveToPreferences is NOT called — the profile is MDM-managed and already present The prompt is triggered purely by startVPNTunnel() / stopVPNTunnel() from a standard user process Question: Is there a supported API, entitlement, or MDM configuration key that allows NETransparentProxyManager.startVPNTunnel() / stopVPNTunnel() to be invoked by a standard user process on a user-enrolled (non-supervised) device without triggering the system.preferences authorization dialog — given that the VPN profile is already deployed and managed by MDM?
5
0
2.6k
May ’26
TLS Inspection with MITM Proxy setup for System Extension app in macOS
Hi All, I am working on a macOS System Extension using Apple’s Network Extension Framework, designed to observe and log network activity at multiple layers. The system extension is currently stable and working as expected for HTTP and DNS traffic with 3 providers, getting Socket, HTTP, and DNS logs. Current Architecture Overview The project consists of two Xcode targets: 1. Main App Process Responsible for: Managing system extension lifecycle (activation, configuration) Establishing IPC (XPC) communication with extensions Receiving structured logs from extensions Writing logs efficiently to disk using a persistent file handle Uses: OSSystemExtensionManager NEFilterManager, NETransparentProxyManager, NEDNSProxyManager NWPathMonitor for network availability handling Persistent logging mechanism (FileHandle) 2. System Extension Process Contains three providers, all running within a single system extension process: a) Content Filter (NEFilterDataProvider) Captures socket-level metadata Extracts: PID via audit token Local/remote endpoints Protocol (TCP/UDP, IPv4/IPv6) Direction (inbound/outbound) Sends structured JSON logs via shared IPC b) Transparent Proxy (NETransparentProxyProvider) Intercepts TCP flows Creates a corresponding NWConnection to the destination Captures both HTTP and HTTPS traffic, sends it to HTTPFlowLogger file which bypasses if it's not HTTP traffic. Uses a custom HTTPFlowLogger: Built using SwiftNIO library (NIO HTTP1) Parses up to HTTP/1.1 traffic Handles streaming, headers, and partial body capture (with size limits) Maintains per-flow state and lifecycle management Logs structured HTTP data via shared IPC c) DNS Proxy (NEDNSProxyProvider) Intercepts UDP DNS traffic Forwards queries to upstream resolver (system DNS or fallback) Maintains shared UDP connection Tracks pending requests using DNS IDs Parses DNS packets (queries + responses) using a custom parser Logs structured DNS metadata via shared IPC Shared Component: IPCConnection Single bidirectional XPC channel used by all providers Handles: App → Extension registration Extension → App logging Uses Mach service defined in system extension entitlements Project Structure NetworkExtension (Project) │ ├── NetworkExtension (Target 1: Main App) │ ├── AppDelegate.swift │ ├── Assets.xcassets │ ├── Info.plist │ ├── NetworkExtension.entitlements │ ├── Main.storyboard │ └──ViewController.swift │ ├── SystemExtensions (Target 2: Extension Process) │ ├── common/ │ │ ├── IPCConnection.swift │ │ └── main.swift │ │ │ ├── DNSProxyProvider/ │ │ ├──DNSDataParser.swift │ │ └──DNSProxyProvider.swift (DNS Proxy) │ │ │ ├── FilterDataProvider/ │ │ └── FilterDataProvider.swift │ │ │ ├── TransparentProxyProvider/ │ │ ├── HTTPLogParser.swift │ │ ├── LogDataModel.swift │ │ └──TransparentProxyProvider.swift │ │ │ ├── Info.plist │ └── SystemExtensions.entitlements │ Current Capabilities Unified logging pipeline across: Socket-level metadata HTTP traffic (HTTP/1.1) DNS queries/responses Efficient log handling using persistent file descriptors Stable IPC communication between app and extensions Flow-level tracking and lifecycle management Selective filtering (e.g., bypass rules for specific IPs) What's the best approach to add TLS Inspection with MITM proxy setup? Some context and constraints: Existing implementation handles HTTP parsing and should remain unchanged (Swift-based). I’m okay with bypassing apps/sites that use certificate pinning (e.g., banking apps) and legitimate sites. Performance is important — I want to avoid high CPU utilization. I’m relatively new to TLS inspection and MITM proxy design. Questions Is it a good idea to implement TLS inspection within a system extension, or does that typically introduce significant complexity and performance overhead? As NETransparentProxyProvider already intercepting HTTPS traffic, can we redirect it to a separate processing pipeline (e.g., another file/module), while keeping the existing HTTP parser(HTTPFlowLogger - HTTP only parser) intact? What are the recommended architectural approaches for adding HTTPS parsing via MITM in a performant way? Are there best practices for selectively bypassing pinned or sensitive domains while still inspecting other traffic? Any guidance on avoiding common pitfalls (e.g., certificate handling, connection reuse, latency issues)? I’m looking for a clean, maintainable approach to integrate HTTPS inspection into my existing system without unnecessary complexity or performance degradation. Please let me know if any additional details from my side would help in suggesting the most appropriate approach. Thanks in advance for your time and insights—I really appreciate it.
5
0
432
Apr ’26
no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications;domain=OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4
Here’s the formatted summary in English for your issue submission: Issue Summary We are activating a Network Extension system extension (filter-data) from a signed and notarized macOS app. Activation consistently fails with the following error: Error Message: OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4 Extension not found in App bundle. Unable to find any matched extension with identifier: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data At the same time, sysextd logs show: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications However, our host app and executable paths are already under /Applications, and the extension bundle physically exists in the expected app bundle location. Environment Information macOS: Darwin 25.4.0 Host App: /Applications/xxx.app Host Bundle ID: com.seaskylight.yksmacos System Extension Bundle ID: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Team ID: BVU65MZFLK Device Management: Enrolled via DEP: No MDM Enrollment: No Reproduction Steps Install the host app to /Applications. Launch the host app via Finder or using the command: open -a "/Applications/xxx.app" Trigger OSSystemExtensionRequest activationRequestForExtension for: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data. Observe failure callback (code=4). Collect logs: log show --last 2m --style compact --info --debug --predicate 'process == "sysextd"' Check extension status using: systemextensionsctl list (shows 0 extension(s)) Observed Results sysextd client activation request for com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data attempts to realize extension with identifier com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data. Log indicates: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications App-side Diagnostics (captured at failure) PID: 3249 Bundle Path: /Applications/xxx.app Real Path: /Applications/xxx.app Exec Path: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/MacOS/xxx Real Exec Path: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/MacOS/xxx Ext Path: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/Library/SystemExtensions/ExamNetFilterData.systemextension Ext Exists: true Running From Helper: false Error Callback: NSError{domain=OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4 desc=Extension not found in App bundle...} Additional Validation We reproduced the same failure using a minimal native host app (SysExtProbe) in /Applications that only submits the activation request for the same extension identifier. It also fails with OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4, indicating this is not specific to Electron app logic. Signing / Packaging Notes Host app and system extension are signed with the same Team ID (BVU65MZFLK). System extension bundle exists under: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/Library/SystemExtensions/ExamNetFilterData.systemextension Extension Info.plist contains bundle id: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Host app includes NSSystemExtensionUsageDescription. Questions for DTS In non-MDM personal-device scenarios, what exact conditions trigger sysextd to emit: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications even when both bundlePath and realpath are in /Applications? Can code=4 (“Extension not found in App bundle”) be returned for policy/state reasons even when the extension bundle is present and the identifier matches? Are there known sysextd policy/cache states that cause this behavior, and what is the recommended recovery procedure? Feel free to copy and paste this summary for your submission. If you need any further modifications or assistance, let me know!
1
0
338
Apr ’26
OSSystemExtension activation fails with code=4 and sysextd "no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications" even when host app is in /Applications
Summary We are activating a Network Extension system extension (filter-data) from a signed and notarized macOS app. Activation consistently fails with: OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4 Extension not found in App bundle. Unable to find any matched extension with identifier: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data At the same time, sysextd logs: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications However, our host app and executable real paths are already under /Applications, and the extension bundle physically exists in the expected app bundle location. Environment macOS: Darwin 25.4.0 Host app: /Applications/xxx.app Host bundle id: com.seaskylight.yksmacos System extension bundle id: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Team ID: BVU65MZFLK Device management: Enrolled via DEP: No MDM enrollment: No Reproduction Steps Install host app to /Applications. Launch host app via Finder or: open -a "/Applications/xxx.app" Trigger OSSystemExtensionRequest activationRequestForExtension for: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Observe failure callback (code=4). Collect logs: log show --last 2m --style compact --info --debug --predicate 'process == "sysextd"' systemextensionsctl list (shows 0 extension(s)) Observed Results sysextd client activation request for com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data attempting to realize extension with identifier com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications App-side diagnostics (captured at failure) pid=3249 bundlePath=/Applications/xxx.app bundlePathReal=/Applications/xxx.app execPath=/Applications/xxx.app/Contents/MacOS/xxx execPathReal=/Applications/xxx.app/Contents/MacOS/xxx extPath=/Applications/xxx.app/Contents/Library/SystemExtensions/ExamNetFilterData.systemextension extExists=true runningFromHelper=false Error callback NSError{domain=OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4 desc=Extension not found in App bundle...} Additional Validation We reproduced the same failure using a minimal native host app (SysExtProbe) in /Applications that only submits the activation request for the same extension identifier. It also fails with OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4, indicating this is not specific to Electron app logic. Signing / Packaging Notes Host app and system extension are signed with the same Team ID (BVU65MZFLK). System extension bundle exists under: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/Library/SystemExtensions/ExamNetFilterData.systemextension Extension Info.plist contains bundle id: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Host app includes NSSystemExtensionUsageDescription. Questions for DTS In non-MDM personal-device scenarios, what exact conditions trigger sysextd to emit: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications even when both bundlePath and realpath are in /Applications? Can code=4 (“Extension not found in App bundle”) be returned for policy/state reasons even when extension bundle is present and identifier matches? Are there known sysextd policy/cache states that cause this behavior, and what is the recommended recovery procedure?
2
0
256
May ’26
What is the officially supported method to automatically start a NETransparentProxyProvider after user login?
We are developing a DLP agent that uses a NETransparentProxyProvider to perform traffic inspection and modification. Our architecture currently includes: LaunchAgent, which monitors user session activity (login/logout, session activation) Container App, which: installs and activates a System Extension creates and saves the NETransparentProxyManager configuration starts the transparent proxy via startVPNTunnel. We would like to automate the startup of the Transparent Proxy for all users, including newly created users, in a way that is fully supported by macOS. We are looking for official guidance on the correct and supported mechanism for starting a user‑level Network Extension (specifically NETransparentProxyProvider) automatically at user login. Questions: What is the recommended and supported way to automatically start a NETransparentProxyProvider at user login? Are there any constraints or best practices we should follow when designing an automatic startup flow for a Network Extension such as NETransparentProxyProvider? We would appreciate official clarification on the supported deployment patterns for starting a user‑level Transparent Proxy Network Extension automatically in multi‑user enterprise environments.
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
302
Activity
3w
NEFilterDataProvider development-signed bypass no longer working on iOS 26.4.2 — regression or intentional?
Hi, Has the get-task-allow development bypass for NEFilterDataProvider been intentionally removed or changed in iOS 26? Previous DTS guidance in thread/31109 confirmed this bypass existed. I note that WWDC 2025 Session 234 states "iOS system-wide content filter is supported on supervised devices only" without mentioning it. My production deployment is supervised MDM devices — I am purely asking about the development testing path, which is not working for me on iOS 26.4.2. All I get is NEConfigurationErrorDomain Code=10 "permission denied" before my app code even runs. Thank you!
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
191
Activity
3w
NEFilterDataProvider activation on consumer iOS — saveToPreferences fails (code 5), .mobileconfig requires MDM
Hello, I'm developing a gambling blocker app that uses NEFilterDataProvider. My app was approved on the App Store, but the core feature doesn't work for end users. I have the content-filter-provider entitlement. Issue 1 — saveToPreferences() fails in distribution builds In dev builds (Xcode direct install), NEFilterManager.saveToPreferences() works fine — iOS shows a permission dialog and the filter is registered. In distribution builds (TestFlight/App Store), it fails immediately: NEFilterErrorDomain code 5 — Operation not permitted Console log from nehelper: "Creating a content filter configuration is only allowed through profile in production version" Issue 2 — .mobileconfig profile requires MDM Following the Console hint, I tried a .mobileconfig profile with com.apple.webcontent-filter payload (ContentFilterUUID, FilterType: Plugin, PluginBundleID). On an unsupervised consumer iPhone (iOS 18.5), installation fails: Profile Installation Failed — MDM required Question: What is the correct mechanism to activate a NEFilterDataProvider on a consumer (non-MDM) iPhone in a distribution build? Is there a specific entitlement or approval process I'm missing? (DTS Case-ID: 20087732)
Replies
8
Boosts
0
Views
431
Activity
2d
Onboarding OHTTP relay
One thing I wanted to confirm, suppose i submit one request to onboard OHTTP relay for one organisation app and it gets approved, so can I re submit the request with different bundle ID for other organisation and same PIR server, same OHTTP server ? Or do we need different domain name ?
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
197
Activity
3w
Requesting Network Extension Capability
One thing I wanted to confirm, suppose i submit one request to onboard OHTTP relay for one organisation app and it gets approved, so can I re submit the request with different bundle ID for other organisation and same PIR server, same OHTTP server ? Or do we need different domain name ?
Replies
11
Boosts
0
Views
471
Activity
6h
Best practices for blocking traffic: Transparent Proxy vs Content Filter, and Multiple Network Extensions
Hello, I am working on a DLP system for macOS. The application must analyze and potentially block network traffic. Currently, I am using NETransparentProxyProvider for traffic analysis and looking for the best solution to block network traffic. I believe the blocking can be implemented by capturing the flow and choosing not to proxy/forward it further (dropping it). However, I am unsure how the OS and other applications will react to this approach. As far as I know, macOS provides a dedicated NEFilterDataProvider (Content Filter) specifically designed for traffic filtering and blocking. I have two questions regarding the architecture: Is it safe to block flows directly using a Transparent Proxy? Will dropping/ignoring the flow without forwarding it cause any unexpected system behavior, socket hangups, or performance issues? Or is it highly recommended to strictly use a Content Filter (NEFilterDataProvider) for the blocking aspect? Can a single container app install and manage more than one Network Extension in the system? For example, if the best practice dictates separating the logic, can my single DLP macOS application bundle and install both a Transparent Proxy (for analysis/routing) and a Content Filter (for blocking) simultaneously? Thank you in advance!
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
306
Activity
4w
M5 Pro - macOS Tahoe 26.4.1 crashes almost immediately after connecting to a VPN
Hello Everyone, Like probably several other Enterprise customers and more, we have been bitten by a bug with regards to VPN and Endpoint Security and the new M5 / M5 Pro SoCs shipping in the latest MacBook devices. I have raised the following feedback IDFB22753954 (which itself references an internal issue I believe, if we need to mark it as a dupe: 172793638 ). The technical sequence leading to the crash is as follows I believe: The macOS system process neagent successfully initializes the GlobalProtect network extension. The GP Network extension transitions from an 'inactive' state to a 'running' state. As network traffic begins flowing through the extension, a critical flaw in the macOS kernel's memory allocation (specifically related to the Apple Network Extension framework) is triggered. This memory management failure at the kernel level results in a kernel panic at an unpredictable point during packet processing. Because this is a core operating system vulnerability, any third-party application or security solution that leverages Apple's Network Extension framework is susceptible to these crashes. This has been confirmed across multiple vendors within the cybersecurity industry from what I understand. Crashes_M5Pro_1.txt Thank you in advance for your help! Kind Regards, Goffredo
Replies
5
Boosts
0
Views
514
Activity
May ’26
Detect Configuration Profile state change (DoH .mobileconfig) without VPN/MDM/supervised — any API I missed?
Is there any iOS API, framework, or entitlement (public or beta) that lets an app detect when a user disables or removes a Configuration Profile (specifically a DNS-over-HTTPS profile) — without VPN extension, MDM, or supervised mode? Use case: I need to know server-side, in real time, when the user toggles off a .mobileconfig DoH profile they previously installed. Things I've already reviewed and ruled out: NetworkExtension (NEDNSSettingsManager — only fires while app is running) BGTaskScheduler (iOS-scheduled, not real-time) NEFilterDataProvider (requires supervised) VPN / MDM / supervised Anything I'm missing?
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
191
Activity
May ’26
Best practices for bypassing critical system daemons in NETransparentProxyProvider
Hello, I am working on a network security and DLP (Data Loss Prevention) solution. A core requirement of our architecture is the ability to modify network traffic payloads in-flight (e.g., stripping sensitive data or altering packets). So, the only way to implement this is via the NETransparentProxyProvider which allows us to handle, evaluate, and modify network flows (NEAppProxyFlow). However, because this is such a powerful mechanism, my primary goal is to ensure the absolute stability of the operating system. I want to minimize the risk of interfering with core Apple services. When evaluating a flow, I have access to NEFlowMetaData, specifically properties like sourceAppUniqueIdentifier and sourceAppAuditToken. Could you please assist me with the following questions: Is there a recommended list of Apple system Application IDs (Bundle IDs) or executable names that should be strictly bypassed (ignored) by the Network Extension to maintain system integrity? Since system daemons can change between OS releases, are there any programmatic best practices or specific rules to dynamically identify core OS traffic that must not be intercepted? Are there any specific network ports or protocols that Apple strongly recommends excluding from NENetworkRule matches at the proxy provider configuration level to ensure daemons like apsd or mDNSResponder function correctly? Thank you in advance.
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
307
Activity
May ’26
XPC connection broken on app & extension upgrade
Post app update our extension version is replaced with the new version. However occasionally maybe around 20% of the time The XPC connection we have for communication between the app and extension will not work. We have reconnection retry logic as well as tried stop and starting the extension but it appears once its broken its broken and all that fixes it is a machine restart. This is obviously not ideal. I have noticed a few other forums talking about the same or similar problem. https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/728063 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/779395 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/742992 When we run on a broken upgrade cycle `sudo launchctl print system/NetworkExtension.com.company.example.app.filter.5.5.0.2248 ` We notice that endpoints is missing from the log. However if we run the same command in terminal for a working upgrade cycle endpoints = {} exist. Therefore for some reason our xpc isn't actually getting registered.
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
321
Activity
May ’26
Is it possible to locally test a Network Extension without a paid development account?
I've searched these terms all over the place and have found only a confusing mishmash of things that were probably true years ago but no longer seem to reflect today's reality so I'm posting it here to hopefully add a definitive 2026 answer to these search results for myself and others. The existence of the DNS Proxy Network Extension protocol in 10.15 has given me an idea. I would like to test this idea to see if it is worth developing further or a complete waste of time. This test does not need to run on any device anywhere in the world other than the one in front of me so I would prefer not to spend $100 just to see if I can make a small code fragment do a silly trick. XCode sadly refuses to build my Network Extension target when I only have a "Personal Team" to sign with: Personal development teams, including "XXXX XXXX", do not support the Network Extensions capability. Can this be done or is Apple just 100% pay-to-play nowadays? I have zero problems disabling SIPS or any other consumer grade protections if that will actually achieve my goal but I've read enough comments from people saying it didn't work that I haven't bothered trying. Thanks for reading. OS: 15.7.5 (24G624) XCode Version 26.3 (17C529)
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
300
Activity
May ’26
M5 kernel panic skmem_slab_free_locked in the presence of a network system extension
I've seen a number of similar posts from other network system extension developers reporting kernel panics on M5 devices in macOS. These kernel panics occur when network system extensions are enabled and are not observed on earlier mac platforms or versions of macOS. Reference: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/821372 In this post, it appears like Apple is aware of a problem as noted by Kevin Elliott in versions of macOS. Do we know if there is any way to work around this problem (short of not enabling a network filter) until a fix is available?
Replies
6
Boosts
0
Views
693
Activity
7h
XPC connection broken on app & extension upgrade
After an app update replaces our extension with the new version, the XPC connection between the app and the extension fails to work roughly 20% of the time. Once it's broken, it stays broken — our reconnect/retry logic doesn't recover it, stopping and starting the extension doesn't recover it, and the only thing that fixes it is a full machine restart. This obviously isn't ideal. I've seen a few other threads describing the same or a very similar issue: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/728063 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/779395 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/742992 On a broken upgrade cycle, when we run: sudo launchctl print system/NetworkExtension.com.company.example.app.filter.5.5.0.2248 the endpoints entry is missing from the output entirely. On a working upgrade cycle, the same command shows endpoints = {} is present. So it looks like our XPC service isn't actually getting registered with launchd in the broken case. We've tried various changes to our connection logic, but nothing prevents the issue — random upgrades still end up broken with no obvious cause. Is there a known way to recover the XPC registration without requiring a machine restart?
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
296
Activity
May ’26
Clarification on Priority/Order of a system with multiple network extensions
We have a Man In The Middle proxy that supports all kind of protocols (http, tls, dns, mail protocols, grpc, etc...)... On apple devices we are running it using the Network Extension framework as a NETransparentProxy. First of all, thank you for the framework, took a while to learn the ins and outs but it works nicely and runs smooth... However now that we start to roll it out to customers we see issues here and there.. For most it works fine, but for some that use other proxy/vpn solutions they run into all kind of "connectivity" issues... E.g. some customers run products from companies like zscaler, fortinet, tailscale etc... First we weren't sure if you could even run multiple TransparentProxy's that have the same network capture rules (e.g. the entire TCP range), but turns out that is fine as we tested it with a demo proxy of ours as well as the product version, both deployed as system extensions NETransparentProxy, and it is all fine.. However also here the ordering is not clear? Traffic seems to flow through both but cannot tell what the order is and if the user or we have any control over it. Now... Our proxy is not a VPN and thus not open a tunnel to a remote location. It is local only there to protect the developer. As such in theory it should be compatible with any other VPN and proxy as any traffic we intercept (all traffic) is still ok to go through their proxy/client-vpn and than through a remote tunnel if desired. So the questions I have is: Is there a way, either from within the code or that our users can configure to, on the order of multiple (network extension or other) proxies? Is TransparentProxy the correct solution if I also want compatibility with these other products and want to MITM the traffic? The flows that current work fine are: ClientApp --> NETransparentProxy[ours] --> remote target server clientApp --> L7 HTTP/SOCKS5 Proxy (system or app-defined) --> NETransparentProxy[ours] --> remote target server clientApp --> L7 HTTP/SOCKS5 Proxy (system or app-defined) --> NETransparentProxy[ours/demo] --> NETransparentProxy[demo/ours] --> remote target server However when people also have products from zscaler, fortinet, tailscale or some others it seems to work sometimes but not always, which makes me think it is order defined? What all of them have in common is that they need to go through a remote tunnel, whereas we do not go through a remote tunnel... Which if I am correct (perhaps I am not) should mean that as long as traffic always goes first via us that it should work? e.g. clientApp --> NETransparentProxy[ours] --> NETransparentProxy/Tunnel/...[third party vpn] --> Vpn Server --> remote target server That should in that case just work. But it does not work in case we are behind the (vpn proxy) client. Please let me know if I provide enough detail and if I'm clear? I am mostly wondering about what I can expect in terms of compatibility if there is anything I (or our company user) can do about ordering/priority/something ?
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
294
Activity
Apr ’26
how to store secret key in/for system extension
Hi. I have a private cryptographic key that I want to generate and store for use by the system extension only (a network extension NETransparentProxyProvider). The ideal properties I want is: only accessible by extension never leave extension not be accessible by root user or other apps Here is what I have tried so far (by/within the system extension): app data container / local storage: this works, but is accessible by root user app data shared container (storage): this works, but also acccessible by root user system keyring: works, but also accesible by root user System extension by itself does not seem to be able to store/load secrets in app protected keyring. The host application however can store in app protected keyring.... So I though, let's use an app group (as access group) and have it like this shared between host and (system) extension... but nop... (system) extension cannot access the secret... Ok... so than I thought: manual low-level XPC calls.... Also that doesn't work, got something almost to work but seemed to require an entire 3rd (launchd/daemon) service.... way to complex for what I want... also seems that as a root user I can use debug tools to also access it There is however the SendMessage/HandleMessage thing available for TransparentProxy.... that does work... but (1) also doesn't seem the most secure (2) the docs clearly state cannot rely on that for this state as the system extension can be started while the host app is not active.... (e.g. at startup) So that is not a solution either.... I went in so many different directions and rabbit holes in the last days.... this feels like a lot harder than it should be? How do other VPN/Proxy like solutions store secrets that are unique to an extension???? I am hoping there is something available here that I am simply missing despite all my effort... any guidance greatly appreciated...
Replies
5
Boosts
0
Views
320
Activity
Apr ’26
Need info to bypass system.preferences VPN consent prompt on MDM device for standard user
Hi, We have a macOS app that uses NETransparentProxyManager (Transparent App Proxy) with a NETunnelProviderExtension. The Network Extension is configured and deployed via an MDM configuration profile. The profile is pushed through Intune MDM as a user-enrolled device (Company Portal enrollment, not ADE/supervised). The MDM profile sets up the Transparent Proxy extension as follows (sanitized snippet): <key>VPNType</key> <string>TransparentProxy</string> <key>TransparentProxy</key> <dict> <key>ProviderType</key> <string>app-proxy</string> <key>ProviderBundleIdentifier</key> <string>com.example.app.tunnel</string> <key>ProviderDesignatedRequirement</key> <string>identifier "com.example.app.tunnel" and anchor apple generic and certificate leaf[subject.OU] = TEAMID</string> <key>RemoteAddress</key> <string>100.64.0.0</string> </dict> <key>PayloadScope</key> <string>System</string> What we do in code: Call NETransparentProxyManager.loadAllFromPreferences — this correctly returns the MDM-managed profile (1 profile found) We do not call saveToPreferences — the profile already exists We call NEVPNConnection.startVPNTunnel() to connect and NEVPNConnection.stopVPNTunnel() to disconnect Problem: On a user-enrolled MDM device, when the app is running as a standard user (non-admin), every call to startVPNTunnel() or stopVPNTunnel() triggers the macOS VPN consent dialog: "VPN is trying to modify your system settings. Enter your password to allow this." Console log evidence: Failed to authorize 'system.preferences' by client '/System/Library/ExtensionKit/Extensions/VPN.appex' for authorization created by '/System/Library/ExtensionKit/Extensions/VPN.appex' (-60006) (engine 881) Key observations: Even if the user does not provide the admin credentials in the popup and cancel the window, still things work properly in the background i.e start/stop works. This does not happen for admin users on user-enrolled devices saveToPreferences is NOT called — the profile is MDM-managed and already present The prompt is triggered purely by startVPNTunnel() / stopVPNTunnel() from a standard user process Question: Is there a supported API, entitlement, or MDM configuration key that allows NETransparentProxyManager.startVPNTunnel() / stopVPNTunnel() to be invoked by a standard user process on a user-enrolled (non-supervised) device without triggering the system.preferences authorization dialog — given that the VPN profile is already deployed and managed by MDM?
Replies
5
Boosts
0
Views
2.6k
Activity
May ’26
TLS Inspection with MITM Proxy setup for System Extension app in macOS
Hi All, I am working on a macOS System Extension using Apple’s Network Extension Framework, designed to observe and log network activity at multiple layers. The system extension is currently stable and working as expected for HTTP and DNS traffic with 3 providers, getting Socket, HTTP, and DNS logs. Current Architecture Overview The project consists of two Xcode targets: 1. Main App Process Responsible for: Managing system extension lifecycle (activation, configuration) Establishing IPC (XPC) communication with extensions Receiving structured logs from extensions Writing logs efficiently to disk using a persistent file handle Uses: OSSystemExtensionManager NEFilterManager, NETransparentProxyManager, NEDNSProxyManager NWPathMonitor for network availability handling Persistent logging mechanism (FileHandle) 2. System Extension Process Contains three providers, all running within a single system extension process: a) Content Filter (NEFilterDataProvider) Captures socket-level metadata Extracts: PID via audit token Local/remote endpoints Protocol (TCP/UDP, IPv4/IPv6) Direction (inbound/outbound) Sends structured JSON logs via shared IPC b) Transparent Proxy (NETransparentProxyProvider) Intercepts TCP flows Creates a corresponding NWConnection to the destination Captures both HTTP and HTTPS traffic, sends it to HTTPFlowLogger file which bypasses if it's not HTTP traffic. Uses a custom HTTPFlowLogger: Built using SwiftNIO library (NIO HTTP1) Parses up to HTTP/1.1 traffic Handles streaming, headers, and partial body capture (with size limits) Maintains per-flow state and lifecycle management Logs structured HTTP data via shared IPC c) DNS Proxy (NEDNSProxyProvider) Intercepts UDP DNS traffic Forwards queries to upstream resolver (system DNS or fallback) Maintains shared UDP connection Tracks pending requests using DNS IDs Parses DNS packets (queries + responses) using a custom parser Logs structured DNS metadata via shared IPC Shared Component: IPCConnection Single bidirectional XPC channel used by all providers Handles: App → Extension registration Extension → App logging Uses Mach service defined in system extension entitlements Project Structure NetworkExtension (Project) │ ├── NetworkExtension (Target 1: Main App) │ ├── AppDelegate.swift │ ├── Assets.xcassets │ ├── Info.plist │ ├── NetworkExtension.entitlements │ ├── Main.storyboard │ └──ViewController.swift │ ├── SystemExtensions (Target 2: Extension Process) │ ├── common/ │ │ ├── IPCConnection.swift │ │ └── main.swift │ │ │ ├── DNSProxyProvider/ │ │ ├──DNSDataParser.swift │ │ └──DNSProxyProvider.swift (DNS Proxy) │ │ │ ├── FilterDataProvider/ │ │ └── FilterDataProvider.swift │ │ │ ├── TransparentProxyProvider/ │ │ ├── HTTPLogParser.swift │ │ ├── LogDataModel.swift │ │ └──TransparentProxyProvider.swift │ │ │ ├── Info.plist │ └── SystemExtensions.entitlements │ Current Capabilities Unified logging pipeline across: Socket-level metadata HTTP traffic (HTTP/1.1) DNS queries/responses Efficient log handling using persistent file descriptors Stable IPC communication between app and extensions Flow-level tracking and lifecycle management Selective filtering (e.g., bypass rules for specific IPs) What's the best approach to add TLS Inspection with MITM proxy setup? Some context and constraints: Existing implementation handles HTTP parsing and should remain unchanged (Swift-based). I’m okay with bypassing apps/sites that use certificate pinning (e.g., banking apps) and legitimate sites. Performance is important — I want to avoid high CPU utilization. I’m relatively new to TLS inspection and MITM proxy design. Questions Is it a good idea to implement TLS inspection within a system extension, or does that typically introduce significant complexity and performance overhead? As NETransparentProxyProvider already intercepting HTTPS traffic, can we redirect it to a separate processing pipeline (e.g., another file/module), while keeping the existing HTTP parser(HTTPFlowLogger - HTTP only parser) intact? What are the recommended architectural approaches for adding HTTPS parsing via MITM in a performant way? Are there best practices for selectively bypassing pinned or sensitive domains while still inspecting other traffic? Any guidance on avoiding common pitfalls (e.g., certificate handling, connection reuse, latency issues)? I’m looking for a clean, maintainable approach to integrate HTTPS inspection into my existing system without unnecessary complexity or performance degradation. Please let me know if any additional details from my side would help in suggesting the most appropriate approach. Thanks in advance for your time and insights—I really appreciate it.
Replies
5
Boosts
0
Views
432
Activity
Apr ’26
Requesting URL Filtering capability
Hi Apple team, Could you please let us know the estimated timeline for approval of our OHTTP relay request? We’d appreciate any updates on the current status or next steps from your side. My request number is GZ8425KHD9. Thanks in advance.
Replies
13
Boosts
0
Views
716
Activity
3w
no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications;domain=OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4
Here’s the formatted summary in English for your issue submission: Issue Summary We are activating a Network Extension system extension (filter-data) from a signed and notarized macOS app. Activation consistently fails with the following error: Error Message: OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4 Extension not found in App bundle. Unable to find any matched extension with identifier: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data At the same time, sysextd logs show: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications However, our host app and executable paths are already under /Applications, and the extension bundle physically exists in the expected app bundle location. Environment Information macOS: Darwin 25.4.0 Host App: /Applications/xxx.app Host Bundle ID: com.seaskylight.yksmacos System Extension Bundle ID: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Team ID: BVU65MZFLK Device Management: Enrolled via DEP: No MDM Enrollment: No Reproduction Steps Install the host app to /Applications. Launch the host app via Finder or using the command: open -a "/Applications/xxx.app" Trigger OSSystemExtensionRequest activationRequestForExtension for: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data. Observe failure callback (code=4). Collect logs: log show --last 2m --style compact --info --debug --predicate 'process == "sysextd"' Check extension status using: systemextensionsctl list (shows 0 extension(s)) Observed Results sysextd client activation request for com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data attempts to realize extension with identifier com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data. Log indicates: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications App-side Diagnostics (captured at failure) PID: 3249 Bundle Path: /Applications/xxx.app Real Path: /Applications/xxx.app Exec Path: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/MacOS/xxx Real Exec Path: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/MacOS/xxx Ext Path: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/Library/SystemExtensions/ExamNetFilterData.systemextension Ext Exists: true Running From Helper: false Error Callback: NSError{domain=OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4 desc=Extension not found in App bundle...} Additional Validation We reproduced the same failure using a minimal native host app (SysExtProbe) in /Applications that only submits the activation request for the same extension identifier. It also fails with OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4, indicating this is not specific to Electron app logic. Signing / Packaging Notes Host app and system extension are signed with the same Team ID (BVU65MZFLK). System extension bundle exists under: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/Library/SystemExtensions/ExamNetFilterData.systemextension Extension Info.plist contains bundle id: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Host app includes NSSystemExtensionUsageDescription. Questions for DTS In non-MDM personal-device scenarios, what exact conditions trigger sysextd to emit: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications even when both bundlePath and realpath are in /Applications? Can code=4 (“Extension not found in App bundle”) be returned for policy/state reasons even when the extension bundle is present and the identifier matches? Are there known sysextd policy/cache states that cause this behavior, and what is the recommended recovery procedure? Feel free to copy and paste this summary for your submission. If you need any further modifications or assistance, let me know!
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
338
Activity
Apr ’26
OSSystemExtension activation fails with code=4 and sysextd "no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications" even when host app is in /Applications
Summary We are activating a Network Extension system extension (filter-data) from a signed and notarized macOS app. Activation consistently fails with: OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4 Extension not found in App bundle. Unable to find any matched extension with identifier: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data At the same time, sysextd logs: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications However, our host app and executable real paths are already under /Applications, and the extension bundle physically exists in the expected app bundle location. Environment macOS: Darwin 25.4.0 Host app: /Applications/xxx.app Host bundle id: com.seaskylight.yksmacos System extension bundle id: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Team ID: BVU65MZFLK Device management: Enrolled via DEP: No MDM enrollment: No Reproduction Steps Install host app to /Applications. Launch host app via Finder or: open -a "/Applications/xxx.app" Trigger OSSystemExtensionRequest activationRequestForExtension for: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Observe failure callback (code=4). Collect logs: log show --last 2m --style compact --info --debug --predicate 'process == "sysextd"' systemextensionsctl list (shows 0 extension(s)) Observed Results sysextd client activation request for com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data attempting to realize extension with identifier com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications App-side diagnostics (captured at failure) pid=3249 bundlePath=/Applications/xxx.app bundlePathReal=/Applications/xxx.app execPath=/Applications/xxx.app/Contents/MacOS/xxx execPathReal=/Applications/xxx.app/Contents/MacOS/xxx extPath=/Applications/xxx.app/Contents/Library/SystemExtensions/ExamNetFilterData.systemextension extExists=true runningFromHelper=false Error callback NSError{domain=OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4 desc=Extension not found in App bundle...} Additional Validation We reproduced the same failure using a minimal native host app (SysExtProbe) in /Applications that only submits the activation request for the same extension identifier. It also fails with OSSystemExtensionErrorDomain code=4, indicating this is not specific to Electron app logic. Signing / Packaging Notes Host app and system extension are signed with the same Team ID (BVU65MZFLK). System extension bundle exists under: /Applications/xxx.app/Contents/Library/SystemExtensions/ExamNetFilterData.systemextension Extension Info.plist contains bundle id: com.seaskylight.yksmacos.ExamNetFilter.data Host app includes NSSystemExtensionUsageDescription. Questions for DTS In non-MDM personal-device scenarios, what exact conditions trigger sysextd to emit: no policy, cannot allow apps outside /Applications even when both bundlePath and realpath are in /Applications? Can code=4 (“Extension not found in App bundle”) be returned for policy/state reasons even when extension bundle is present and identifier matches? Are there known sysextd policy/cache states that cause this behavior, and what is the recommended recovery procedure?
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
256
Activity
May ’26