![]() Most importantly, system extensions are a big step up in terms of security. (One notable exception: driver extensions, which still must be written in C or C++ and use the DriverKit framework.) Now, developers can use any macOS SDK framework, and they can write code in any programming language they want. When it came to using kernel extensions, developers were limited to using one framework - and they had to write their code in C or C++. Develop with more frameworks and languages.With system extensions, minor bugs won’t lead to kernel-panics or unpredictable system behavior, and developers don't need to worry about managing dynamic memory allocation, synchronization, and latency. Compared to developing apps that would work in the kernel, developing in userspace is much more forgiving. By leaving the kernel alone, system extensions avoid some of the issues that kexts have had. System extensions enable developers to create apps that extend the functionality of macOS without requiring kernel-level access. Beyond expanding the safety and stability of macOS, these frameworks could be used as alternatives to kernel extensions and were meant to replace them. To remedy the problems with kexts, Apple introduced system extensions, which provide some similar capabilities to kexts, but in a more controlled environment.Īpple released two new frameworks-the DriverKit framework and the SystemExtension framework-with macOS 10.15. If a developer isn’t willing to do so, we suggest considering alternative solutions. Some vendors are still using kexts, but Apple continues to urge them to replace those with system extensions.įor customers who rely on apps that use kexts, we recommend working with the developer to move in that direction. Today kexts are commonly referred to as “legacy system extensions.” Though many continue to function, they may experience problems, particularly on Mac computers with Apple silicon. So, if a kernel extension happens to have a bug that leaves it vulnerable to being compromised by malicious actors, it isn’t just the app at risk, it’s the whole system-and no security policy can restrain it. Since one of the kernel’s most important jobs is to define and enforce security policies, and kernel extensions run within it, kexts aren’t governed by macOS security policies. While this unlocks a lot of freedom for developers, it also creates risks: Even a minor bug could freeze or panic the system.īeyond the stability challenges that kernel extensions present developers while creating apps, the power of kexts also creates some security concerns. While kexts have given developers the freedom to build powerful, complex functions, it also presents them with challenges in terms of development, security, and stability.īecause actions taken by kernel extensions occur within the kernel, they’re prioritized over every other function in the system. Virtualization applications (such as Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion), virtual drive services (such as Box and Google Drive), and other software have long used kexts to integrate their code deeply into the Mac.īut that access has some downsides. By giving developers these kernel privileges, kexts can help those developers create some very powerful apps. ![]() Kernel extensions (or kexts) let developers load code directly into the macOS kernel. Here’s what admins should know about it and how they can use that knowledge to make life smoother for themselves and their users. That transition is still playing out, even now. Specifically, the company said that kernel extensions (kexts) would be deprecated in favor of system extensions. ![]() Back in 2019, at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced some major changes to the way software developers would be able to interact with macOS. ![]()
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