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KextViewer
KextViewer is a professional security utility that enables real-time detection, enumeration, and monitoring of all kernel extensions (KEXT) drivers loaded on a Mac system. It helps users promptly identify suspicious drivers and potential security threats, effectively enhancing the security of macOS.
KextViewr: macOS Kernel Extension Viewer Tool
Overview
KextViewr is a practical utility designed to view all loaded kernel modules (i.e., kexts) in the macOS system kernel. It offers a user-friendly graphical interface, eliminating the need for command-line operations, and allows you to intuitively understand the current state of your system kernel.
Features
📋 Comprehensive Information Display
- Module Identification: Clearly distinguishes between Apple system kernel modules and third-party kernel modules.
- Detailed Data: Displays the following information for each loaded kext:
- Module name
- Bundle identifier
- Full path
- Collection it belongs to
- Address
- Size
- Architecture
🔎 Intelligent Filtering & Search
- Quick Filtering: Use the "Filter Kexts" search box at the top to real-time filter modules by name, path, or other content.
- Tag-Based Filtering:
#apple: Shows only Apple system modules.#nonapple: Shows only non-Apple (third-party) modules.
- One-click Hide System Modules: Uncheck "Show OS Kexts" to quickly focus on third-party loaded extensions.
💾 Data Export & Refresh
- One-click Refresh: Reload and display the latest list of kernel modules at any time.
- JSON Export: Export the current view results as a complete JSON file for later analysis or archival.
Advantages
🖥️ Visual User Experience
Compared to the system’s built-in kmutil command-line tool, KextViewr provides a more intuitive and user-friendly graphical interface, lowering the barrier to use.
🛠️ Optimized for Modern macOS
- Fully supports macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later versions.
- Adapts to modern macOS kernel features: kernel modules have transitioned from single-file format to being stored within kernel collections; KextViewr correctly parses and displays this information.
🔓 Open Source & Transparent
Provides complete source code and is fully open-source, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness of the tool.
System Requirements & Download
- Supported OS: macOS 11.0 or later
- Current Version: 2.0.0
(For use on older macOS versions, download version 1.1.0)
Usage Instructions
- Download the ZIP package from the official website.
- Extract it and double-click to run
KextViewr.app. - Upon launch, the tool automatically queries and lists all loaded kernel modules.
Notes & Disclaimer
- Permission Limitation: Retrieving kernel module information requires the
com.apple.private.kernel.get-kext-infopermission, which is not available to third-party applications. Therefore, KextViewr indirectly achieves this functionality by invoking system tools. - View-Only Purpose: This tool is intended for viewing kernel module status only and does not provide management or uninstallation features.
With KextViewr, whether you're a developer debugging or a regular user wanting to understand your system kernel’s state, you can obtain the necessary information in a clearer and more convenient way.
All software data on this site is synchronized from the Awesome mac project. Copyright belongs to original authors.
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