How To Fix File Sharing Error In macOS High Sierra After Security Update 2017-001

Apple has published an official support document for Mac users outlining how to repair the file sharing functionality in macOS 10.13.1 after the installation of Security Update 2017-001.

Apple rushed out Security Update 2017-001 to fix a glaring issue whereby unauthorized users were able to log in as root on any Mac running macOS High Sierra. That update inadvertently broke file sharing for a number of users with Apple now offering advice on how to reverse the problem.

As a quick recap, it was recently reported that macOS High Sierra had a rather serious vulnerability allowing any individual with access to the Mac login prompt to access the machine as a root user without any authentication. All that individual had to do was use the ‘root’ username, leave the password field blank, and then repeatedly click on the login button in order to get into the machine with root privileges.

Apple has been applauded for not only responding to the issue and fixing it with extreme haste but for also admitting that it will now have a review of its internal processes to ensure that this never happens again.

Security Update 2017-001 immediately resolves that root vulnerability but also causes issues with file sharing, hence the new support document which outlines the steps needed to fix that. Apple’s document is aimed at those who are experiencing issues authenticating or connecting to file shares on the Mac after the installation of the aforementioned Security Update. The document then outlines a set of steps needed to repair file sharing:

  1. Open the Terminal app, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
  2. Type sudo /usr/libexec/configureLocalKDC and press Return.
  3. Enter your administrator password and press Return.
  4. Quit the Terminal app.

Once those four steps have been followed, the issue should be resolved and file sharing should be back working as expected and as it was prior to the installation of the 2017-001 Security Update. A number of Mac owners who have been experiencing the problem have confirmed that Apple’s fix does indeed work, and does indeed restore the file sharing functionality as intended. It’s unlikely that any other issues will occur based on the back of the installation of this security update but we’re sure Apple will respond if anything manifests.

(Source: Apple)

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