Why aren't Firewall settings persistent in Ventura?

I'm attempting to do 'stealth' mode firewal. I've noticed that enabling it is possible, but the setting isn't persistent. It turns itself off.

I've removed the config file /Library/Preferences/com.apple.alf.plist, and rebooted to no avail.

Anyone else have firewall setting issues?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.2

Posted on Feb 2, 2023 5:23 PM

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2 replies

PMartens Author

Level 1

20 points

Feb 3, 2023 9:36 AM in response to Randall_2023

Hi Randal...

I was able to access the above-hidden file. However, I couldn't delete it.

I used the following terminal command instead:

sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw \
  --setblockall off \
  --setallowsigned on \
  --setallowsignedapp on \
  --setloggingmode on \
  --setstealthmode on \
  --setglobalstate on

So far that's solved my problem? For now...

Feb 2, 2023 7:17 PM in response to PMartens

Actually, I believe the correct plist file is here:

/usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/com.apple.alf.plist

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Why aren't Firewall settings persistent in Ventura?