Packages from unknown developers

Question

AMA2023 Author

Level 1

4 points

Packages from unknown developers

Hi

I am trying to install a scientific data analysis software package developed by a US academic institute. Before reinstalling macOS Ventura in my laptop, I could install and run this package without a problem. After reinstalling Ventura, OS does not allow me to grant a blanket security exemption for this package. OS asks me to grant an exemption for each and every individual file in the package ("xxx.y was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer, allow any way?" ). Since the software package contain hundreds of individual supporting files, practically it is almost impossible to do this. Is there a way to grant a blanket exception for the whole package instead of doing it individually for each and every file?

MA

MacBook Pro 15″

Posted on Apr 24, 2023 9:22 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

etresoft

Level 9

50,902 points

Apr 24, 2023 10:30 AM in response to AMA2023

It would help if you specified exactly what package this is. There might be a quick and easy solution.

Lacking any such information, the best solution would probably be to run the following command:

sudo xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine ~/Downloads/path/to/packages/*

This is assuming that the packages are in the Downloads folder. This will remove the quarantine attribute from each file and the system will no longer trigger Gatekeeper to block it.

However, signed, and now notarized, software has been required for several years now. There is an excellent chance that this software won't work at all in Ventura for other reasons. If it is old enough to pre-date signatures, then you are in deep, deep trouble if you try to use it.

Reply

Answer 2

etresoft

Level 9

50,902 points

Apr 24, 2023 11:06 AM in response to AMA2023

AMA2023 wrote:

Software is not that old. It is xpdfsuite from Columbia University.

As far as I can tell, the software is over a decade old. I would not recommend using this software on a modern Mac. There is no guarantee it will return correct results.

Reply

Answer 3

etresoft

Level 9

50,902 points

Apr 24, 2023 1:33 PM in response to AMA2023

This is always a risk when dealing with unsupported and abandoned software like this. How much of your life and career depends on it functioning properly? What's your plan for when it stops working? It's totally your responsibility now.

Reply