How to get rid of Malware Blocked: “com.docker.vmnetd” alert in macOS

What is Malware Blocked: “com.docker.vmnetd” Error

Malware Blocked: “com.docker.vmnetd” alert in macOS is a security notification triggered by macOS’s built-in security features, such as Gatekeeper or XProtect. This alert appears when macOS detects the com.docker.vmnetd process, a legitimate component of Docker Desktop, as potentially harmful. This process is responsible for managing networking for Docker’s virtual machines. However, macOS may flag it due to stricter security policies, outdated Docker versions, or misclassification by macOS’s malware detection system. While this is often a false positive, it can prevent Docker Desktop from functioning correctly. The issue has been reported by many users, especially after macOS updates that tighten security protocols. Resolving this issue is essential to ensure Docker Desktop operates smoothly without compromising your system’s security. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to address this issue, including updating Docker, adjusting macOS security settings, or reinstalling Docker. Below, we will explore all possible solutions to resolve the “Malware Blocked: “com.docker.vmnetd”” alert in macOS.

Solutions to Fix Malware Blocked: “com.docker.vmnetd” Alert

1. Update Docker Desktop to the Latest Version

Docker has released updates to address this issue. Ensure you are using the latest version of Docker Desktop.

1. Visit the official Docker Desktop website.
2. Download the latest version of Docker Desktop for macOS.
3. Install the update by following the on-screen instructions.
4. Restart your Mac and check if the alert persists.

2. Reinstall Docker Desktop

If updating Docker does not resolve the issue, reinstalling Docker Desktop can help fix any corrupted files or configurations.

1. Quit Docker Desktop by clicking on the Docker menu and selecting Quit Docker Desktop.
2. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
3. Drag the Docker app to the Trash.
4. Go to ~/Library/Group Containers and delete the folder named group.com.docker.
5. Download the latest version of Docker Desktop from the official Docker website.
6. Install Docker Desktop and follow the setup instructions.
7. Restart your Mac and check if the alert persists.

3. Approve Docker in macOS Security Settings

macOS may block Docker’s processes due to security restrictions. You can manually allow Docker in the Security & Privacy settings.

1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
2. Go to Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down to the Security section and look for a message about Docker or com.docker.vmnetd being blocked.
4. Click Allow or Open Anyway to permit the process.
5. Restart Docker Desktop and check if the alert is resolved.

4. Copy the com.docker.vmnetd File to the Privileged Helper Tools Directory

Manually copying the com.docker.vmnetd file to the appropriate directory can resolve the issue if macOS is unable to locate it.

1. Open the Terminal app from Applications > Utilities.
2. Run the following command to copy the file:
   • sudo cp /Applications/Docker.app/Contents/Library/LaunchServices/com.docker.vmnetd /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/
3. Enter your administrator password when prompted.
4. Restart Docker Desktop and check if the alert is resolved.

5. Disable macOS Malware Protection Temporarily

If macOS continues to block Docker, you can temporarily disable its malware protection to allow Docker to run. Note that this step should only be performed if you trust the source of the software.

1. Restart your Mac and boot into Recovery Mode by holding Command + R during startup.
2. Once in Recovery Mode, open the Terminal from the Utilities menu.
3. Run the following command to disable System Integrity Protection (SIP):
   • csrutil disable
4. Restart your Mac and try running Docker Desktop again.
5. After verifying that Docker works, re-enable SIP by booting into Recovery Mode again and running:
   • csrutil enable

6. Manually Approve the com.docker.vmnetd Process

If macOS continues to block the process, you can manually approve it using the Terminal.

1. Open the Terminal app from Applications > Utilities.
2. Run the following command to approve the process:
   • sudo spctl --add /path/to/com.docker.vmnetd
3. Replace /path/to/com.docker.vmnetd with the actual path to the process.
4. Restart Docker Desktop and check if the alert is resolved.

7. Contact Docker Support

If none of the above solutions work, contacting Docker Support can help resolve the issue.

1. Visit the Docker Support page.
2. Submit a support ticket with details about the issue, including screenshots of the alert and any troubleshooting steps you have tried.
3. Follow the guidance provided by Docker Support to resolve the issue.