Password not recognized during OS update

Starting several months ago my Mac Mini (M1 version) stopped recognizing any admin user passwords when called for during updates. The passwords work in every other situation. I was able to bypass this problem by using the software update command in terminal mode in one of two ways:

sudo softwareupdate -i -a -R

sudo softwareupdate --all --install

This work around was fine until trying to move to Ventura. These commands cause the software to be downloaded, but not executed (see results below, there was no further action after the Downloaded message). I have twice reloaded the OS from the recovery drive and have over 600GB (yes, GB) available. The only non-Apple software on the machine are LastPass, Microsoft Office, and a HP Printer/Scanner controller.

What should I try next?

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Software Update Tool

Finding available software

Downloading macOS Ventura 13.0.1

Password: 

Downloaded: macOS Ventura 13.0.

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Hardware Overview:

  Model Name: Mac mini

  Model Identifier: Macmini9,1

  Chip: Apple M1

  Total Number of Cores: 8 (4 performance and 4 efficiency)

  Memory: 16 GB

  System Firmware Version: 8419.41.10

  OS Loader Version: 7459.141.1