1.4 Ensure Installation of App Update Is Enabled

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This audit has been deprecated and will be removed in a future update.

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Information

Ensure that application updates are installed after they are available from Apple. These updates do not require reboots or administrator privileges for end users.

Rationale:

Patches need to be applied in a timely manner to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.

Impact:

Unpatched software may be exploited.

Solution

Graphical Method:
Perform the following steps to enable App Store updates to install automatically:

Open System Preferences

Select Software Updates

Select Advanced

Set Install app updates from the App Store to enabled

Terminal Method:
Run the following command to to enable automatic checking and installing of macOS updates:

$ /usr/bin/sudo /usr/bin/defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.commerce AutoUpdate -bool TRUE

Profile Method:
Create or edit a configuration profile with the following information:

The PayloadType string is com.apple.SoftwareUpdate

The key to include is AutomaticallyInstallAppUpdates

The key must be set to <true/>

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/4180