Hello Tyronet and thank you for compiling a definitive, clear guide, foolproof even for a noob like me.
I had arrived at a similar process after consulting every single thread online about the topic, collecting all the links, all the texts, and feeding everything to ChatGPT.
Despite this, ChatGPT, which is unfortunately lazy and stupid, responded with the following when I asked it to compare the two guides:
Comparison and Conclusions
Accuracy and Details:
The guide by "tyronet" is more detailed regarding the configuration of "Startup Security Utility" and the management of kernel extensions, which is a critical step for allowing unsigned extensions.
My guide lacks specific details about the configuration of "Permissive Security."
Flexibility and Methodology:
The "tyronet" guide focuses exclusively on a specific workflow (installation via package and then fixing permissions), while my guide offers alternatives such as using extraction tools like "Suspicious Package."
Reboot and Authorization Details:
The "tyronet" guide mentions a double reboot and the need to confirm the use of kernel extensions in security settings, something not covered in detail in my guide.
Security Recommendations:
Both guides emphasize the importance of re-enabling SIP, but the "tyronet" guide is more explicit about potential warning messages and necessary actions if the device does not function after re-enabling SIP.
Conclusion: The "tyronet" guide is more specific and detailed in some crucial steps, especially regarding advanced security settings and the reboot process. It is advisable to integrate the missing details, such as "Startup Security Utility" settings, into the initial guide to ensure a more complete and robust solution.
Given this, I attempted to integrate a section into the guide regarding "alternative solutions" or to cover the possibility that AppleFWAudioVentura.pkg might not work correctly:
Appendix: Alternative Solutions and Troubleshooting
This section provides an in-depth look at alternative methods and solutions to issues that may arise during the installation and configuration of kexts on macOS, particularly for AppleFWAudio.kext. These solutions are intended to address specific code signing errors, permission issues, and other technical obstacles.
Manual Extraction of the Kext
If the installation of the AppleFWAudioVentura.pkg package does not work, you can manually extract the kext using tools like Suspicious Package or Pacifist.
Using "Suspicious Package" and "Pacifist"
-
Suspicious Package: A macOS application that allows you to examine the contents of installation packages (.pkg) without installing them. It is useful for verifying the presence of specific files and extracting them if necessary.
- Download and Usage: Download the application from the official website. After installation, drag the .pkg package into the application to explore its contents.
-
Pacifist: Similar to "Suspicious Package," it allows you to explore and extract the contents of installation packages, particularly useful if Suspicious Package is not sufficient.
- Download and Usage: Available on the CharlesSoft official website. After downloading and installing the application, you can search within packages and extract specific files.
Extraction Procedure
-
Open the Package:
- Open
AppleFWAudioVentura.pkg with "Suspicious Package" or "Pacifist."
-
Locate and Extract _AppleFWAudio.kext:_
- Find the
AppleFWAudio.kext file within the package and extract it to a temporary location, such as the desktop.
-
Copy to /Library/Extensions/:
-
Permission Fix:
-
Loading the Kext:
Details on Kext Loading and Authorization Issues
Code Signing Errors
When a code signing error occurs, it is necessary to check if the kext has been properly signed or if it has been altered.
-
Check Code Signing:
-
Use the command:
codesign -vv /Library/Extensions/AppleFWAudio.kext
-
This command verifies the status of the code signing. If the kext is not properly signed, macOS will prevent its loading.
-
Disabling Security Protections:
-
Disable SIP: If SIP (System Integrity Protection) is enabled, it might block the loading of unsigned kexts. Ensure SIP is disabled:
csrutil disable
-
Kernel Extension Management: Enable kernel extension management in "Startup Security Utility" to allow the loading of unsigned kexts.
-
Modifying Security Preferences:
- Go to "System Settings" > "Privacy & Security" and allow the use of the kext. You may need to confirm the decision and restart the system.
Manual Permission Fixes
Correct permissions are essential for loading the kext.
-
Fix Permissions:
-
Set the owner and group of the kext to root:
sudo chown -R 0:0 /Library/Extensions/AppleFWAudio.kext
-
Ensure read and execute permissions are correct:
sudo chmod -R 755 /Library/Extensions/AppleFWAudio.kext
-
Reload the Kext:
-
After applying the changes, reload the kext:
sudo kmutil load -p /Library/Extensions/AppleFWAudio.kext
-
Monitor System Stability:
- Monitor the system for any stability issues, such as crashes or kernel panics. If issues arise, consider removing the problematic kext or re-enabling SIP.
I have no idea if this will be helpful as it was compiled by ChatGPT, but I hope it can be useful in some way.
Here are all the links collected online on the topic, hoping they can be helpful as well:
