Can't install Security update 2018-002: error_7e7aee96ca

I ran into the very same issue. Here's what worked for me:

• Download and install the update manually from Download Security Update 2018-002 (High Sierra)

• Before rebooting, disconnect the Time Machine volume

I have the same problem. The weird thing is that Security Update 2018-002 is already part of 10.13.6. It is up to 004. I called Apple Support and they said the same thing - 10.13.6, the latest High Sierra already has that update. They suggested clicking on a link they sent me to install 10.13.6 fresh. I am not tryng this until tomorrow. Too late now. I too reverted back from Mojave - Mojave did not support my printer.

There has been a back and forth on this mobile device management site Security Update 2018-001 High Sierra or Security Update 2018-002 High Sierra | Discussion | Jamf Nation

Upshot is that downloading the stand-alone installer (which is misnamed confusingly) and running the update a second time does the trick.

Recap: For me it failed with the same error but had not actually got to the point of running the update. At this point you select the boot disk and get logged back in without updating. It seems it expects to find the distribution but can't find it because it is confused about locating the boot disk.

I would say this an important security update, numerous patches for some pretty important CVEs. And from my reading it is supplemental to 10.13.6

By the way Mojave is incompatible with my Thunderbolt drive so I'm a Mojave refugee also. :-) And the security messages can be silenced by adding the offending app to Accessibility preferences in Security. But I'm off-topic now.

It worked. Reinstalling 10.13.6 from the link that Apple Support emailed to me has solved the problem. Unfprtunately I do not seem to be able to copy the active link here.

I had same issue with 2018-003 High Sierra update. Downloading the file and installing manually worked for that too. Thanks!

There is even a report that the 10.13.6 su installed Death Valley...

The update link for this security update for 10.13.6 only installs Mojave. Anyone else have this problem? The update link for this security update for 10.13.6 only installs Mojave. Anyone else have this problem?

I have the same problem - ERROR_7E7AEE96CA - I had also upgraded to Mojave but had to revert to 10.13.6 via a SuperDuper bootable clone restore.

My reason for reverting was because I regularly use an Automator applet which, under Mojave, constantly requests access to the Finder and System Events via intrusive "Don't Allow"/"OK" messages making the applet unusable.

When I attempted to install this Security Update on my early-2014 MacBook Air (10.13.6), I ultimately received an installer log on the screen saying that the update could not be installed on this computer and to read the log for clues. Unfortunately, I couldn't save the log (it suggested I save it in the "root" directory and then said I didn't have permission, but it wouldn't save elsewhere either -- weird), so I restarted and eventually got to the error screen in your screenshot. I restarted a 3d time and am now able to use my MacBook, which installed the updated Safari 12.0.1. The Security Update, however, is still available in the App Store. I'll wait.

Also, I note that the file name does not include the words "high" in it at all. System Requirements are 10.13, not 10.13.6. Probably another overbite, but I've read others having issues installing the update and hoping this isn't another sign of a glitch in the file being posted to SU.

Many reports like that, I'd try to wait.

Seems so. 😟

Here's just one of many...

Apple security update 2018-002 10.13.6 fails on Mac Pro Apple security update 2018-002 10.13.6 fails on Mac Pro

Yup, same here. I also upgraded to Mojave and reverted back. It was terrible. Remember the days when you could just install an update and assume it worked because Apple thoroughly tested it? Those days are gone.

The Security update is for High Sierra. Mojave 10.14.1 is also out and seems to be fine for me. I do have issues with multi monitors and Adobe Acrobat but I'm not sure who is to blame. Apple put out an update and Adobe did not. Either way the problem is still there.