System Extension Error - error occurred with your system extensions

David Ris wrote:

I am running 12.4 on a Mac Mini (M1, 2020).

This is a recurring error; the error appears on start up:

"An error occurred with your system extensions during startup and they need to be rebuilt before they can be used. Please go to Security & Privacy System Preferences to re-enable them."

I'm unsure of what to do next. In looking at Security & Privacy System Preferences, I do not see any "!" marks or anything else that would indicate that something is amiss.

Any advice is appreciated.

try SafeBoot How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support to sort anomalies.

log in and test. Reboot as normal and test.

there was a bug in Big Sur....

The current stable release of Monterey including bug fixes, is macOS 12.4

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Thank you for getting back to use.

The Sole Focus to be presented here is the File Extension Issue but will include one or two other important issue to consider

Q 1 - EtreCheck version: 5.7.2 (5247) there is a newer version for the Developers

A 1 - Run the Application and check in Preferences for Updates.

Q 2 -   Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed that could be adware and should be reviewed.

A 2 - This might a false positive as BitDefender is installed . Will cover this later in this reply.

Q 3 -  System extension blocked - There are system extensions awaiting user approval

A 3 - When Installing the Extension it may or may not require Disabling SIP for Recovery Mode and then Enable SIP Immediately there after .>>>>>> Disabling and Enabling System Integrity Protection - Apple ... <<<

Q 4 - Antivirus software: Apple, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes

A 4 - There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 

The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.

The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.

Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, alter, modify, remove or delete or attempt to do so is an invitation for disaster and comprising the Operating System

Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions 

This will include BitDefender please read some of the may posting Specific to this Application

Specific to BitDefender

There has been sufficient advise / suggestions offered for the User to make an informed and educated choice what the next course of action is required.

The suggestions have been put forth on a volunteer basis, in good faith and in the best interests of the computer.

Understand, we are all working Remotely from all around the world.

Therefore, we do not have the On-Hands experience the User ( you ) has with this computer.

The below suggestion is the next best thing to actually have an On-Hands experience with this computer.

Suggest downloading the Application Etrecheck directly from a well Respected ASC Contributor. And Safe to use.

The application is free or paid from added features. 

Run the application with Full Disc Access ( Security & Privacy - Full Disc Access ).

It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software.

 The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 

Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )

We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.

We need actionable information in order to help. We have no idea what extensions are in your system.

Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here using the additional text button below your message.

David Ris wrote:

Hi P. Phillips,

Thank you for the response. I will follow the path that you've laid out.

Regarding the EtreCheck version: I am not a developer, should I be using the developer version for best results?

I agree with you on Bitdefender and Malwarebytes. It was a requirement by my employer when we started working from home -- I will remove them and defend my position.

Thanks again.

Q - " Regarding the EtreCheck version: I am not a developer, should I be using the developer version for best results? "

A - Nor am I a Developer. Within the Etrecheck Application Preferences somewhere in there is check for updates.

A - The HQ that may not know abut macOS and think ALL computers, be it Windows, Apple or Linux are all prone to Viruses

System extension blocked - There are system extensions awaiting user approval.

System modifications - There are a large number of system modifications running in the background.

System Extensions:

[Waiting for authorization] com.bitdefender.vpn.neprovider - version 3.1.1 (Bitdefender SRL - 2021-09-30)

Application: /Applications/Bitdefender/Bitdefender VPN.app - version 3.1.1

You should really delete everything related to bitdefender.

Also of note: you have a 4TB with some 13 MB (that is megabytes, not gigabytes) free. This is beyond full and a great risk of data loss, besides severely impairing IO performance.

/Applications/Bitdefender/Bitdefender VPN.app - version 3.1.1

Open your Applications folder. There should be a folder in it called Bitdefender. Move it to the trash; enter your password if requested.

Empty the trash, restart and run Etrecheck again to see if it is all gone.

Welcome