Mac Mini - Endless Kernel Panics in MacOS 15.2

We see 2025-01-06 CCleaner (2.9.187) installed

https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner-mac

Once this type of software are installed and embedded into the computer

Start Over from Scratch 

Heavy Handed - Yes ?

Effective - Yes

You can spend hours or days hunting down all the bits and pieces of this software and never really get it all off the computer

For Apple Silicon computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.

For Apple Intel computers >>   Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac followed by How to reinstall macOS

Always make a Time Machine Backup  before  proceeding 

If going this route - I suggest Not using Startup Assist to migrate everything back.

This will probably Re-Introduce (CCleaner ) back into the Operating System 

Hard to say unless a list of kernel extensions that might be incompatible is available to review - you might consider re-running etrecheck with full disk access so those can be iterated over.

SEP panic means the issue is involving the Secure Enclave Processor (e.g., T1 or T2 chip depending on the year of your Mac Mini). The likelihood of a core OS component triggering a SEP panic in a compatible Mac computer is as close to zero as possible given the regression testing done on the OS versions - and when bugs do slip through they would affect every computer with the same specs.

Hardware is actually more likely - but incompatible .kexts (or ones that ought to be compatible but aren't being updated) are the next most likely source.

If it works in Safe Mode, but not normally, it is either a third-party kernel extension that wasn’t fully removed (did you use the uninstaller provided by the developer) or a hardware fault in one of the components that are disabled in Safe Mode.

If you have no external devices connected and you have removed third-party kernel extensions, take it to an Apple Store or Authorized Repair Center for evaluation. Print some of the kernel panics to take with you.

Armoured_Bear wrote:

Thanks but I only installed Cleaner when trying to resolve this problem so it's unlikely the original cause, no?

What you have mentioned is possible

It is also possible CClean compounded an already exiting Software Issue

To put the CClean in context and the damages it may have or has already done.

This application can or will Muck Up your User Account ( Home Folder ) of this machine.

It does not touch the Operating System itself unless you consider your User  Account ( Home Folder ) as part of the Operating System

Then in that specific context - it has Mucked Up the Operating  System 

In which case, the Operating System is hosed 

If the machine operates in Safe Mode but not in normal mode

This could be a indicator of a Software Kernel Extension that is installed and not totally removed

Otherwise and from that same report " Kernel panics - This system has experienced kernel panics. This could be a sign of hardware failure."

" Could be " is not the same as " Is a failure "

To Truly determine if there is a Hardware failure

Have the computer evaluated by the Professionals who have the Special Hardware Software and Expertise to diagnose the issue and offer possible solutions

Make an Appointment at the Apple Genius Bar or call 1 800 MyApple and have them evaluate the computer

Other location Call Centres 

 Contact Apple for support and service

Armoured_Bear wrote:

It's a T2 chip, that's useful information on what SEP is, thanks.

However, I don't understand why hardware is more likely when the computer works perfectly with every macOs version till Sequoia. I'll look at etrecheck again.

Kernel panics can only be caused by a set of about seven things. The two predominant causes are hardware, faults and third-party kernel extension. No other part of the OS can cause a kernel panic except Apple’s own kernel extensions. If Apple‘s kernel extensions were bad every single 2018 Mac mini owner would be getting constant kernel panics like you.

The OS has nothing to do with it, otherwise every Mac in the world would be having kernel panics.

it’s either a third-party system extension or a hardware fault. There are about five other extremely rare possibilities that I can’t remember.

if it’s a Intel Mac, then you could run an NVRAM reset.

Armoured_Bear wrote:

It's a T2 chip, that's useful information on what SEP is, thanks.

However, I don't understand why hardware is more likely when the computer works perfectly with every macOs version till Sequoia. I'll look at etrecheck again.

Again, the premise seems off, barring a Hardware issue

To lay down a new Firmware

How to revive or restore Mac firmware

My 2018 Mac mini 8,1 model has no problem running macOS Sequoia 15.2

Are those factory installed 16GB RAM modules or aftermarket 16GB RAM modules...?

If they are aftermarket 16GB RAM modules, what brand are they and when were they installed...?

If we may, the premise that macOS 15,x Sequoia is the root cause of this issue is somewhat flawed

Let us also remember that Apple Builtin this computer to their specifications

They also designed and engineered this specific computer to function an optimal performances levels when used on the version of macOS it qualifies to operate .

Not doubt, during the Initial Design phase and initial Beta testing periods

Apple most probably Tested this computer and probably ALL other qualifying computers Before Sequoia was Made Public for generate usage

So ends the sermon

Follow on

Using 1 M2 Mac Mini , 1 3 Mac Mini plus 1 M3 MBA

Each have had the original Sequoia 15.0 through to and including version 15.2

Based upon your original premise - they too should be, all rights, also be affected by a similar issue as the MacMini from 2018

Which I am pleased to report - they are not

Follow on

Refer to some other posting related to CCleaner

CCleaner