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How to Set Up a macOS VM with Bridged Networking Using Apple’s Sample App on Apple Silicon
Using Xcode to build a macOS VM for application security testing
Setting up a macOS VM on Apple Silicon has its perks when it comes to application security testing, including testing software in isolated environments, avoiding proxying your host system to Burp Suite, and testing apps that are not proxy-aware. Apple provides a sample app, but when testing certain applications, bridged networking might be necessary for broader connectivity, especially when those applications rely on specific networking protocols or need direct communication with other devices on the local network. In this guide, we’ll dive into turning the sample app into a VM with bridged networking capabilities.
Prerequisites
- Hardware: Apple Silicon Mac.
- Software: macOS and Xcode.
- Membership: Apple Developer Program.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with Xcode and basic programming concepts.
Starting with Apple’s Sample App
Apple’s documentation for Running macOS in a Virtual Machine on Apple Silicon is a robust starting point. Complete the steps to get the macOS VM up and running. The sample app provides a working macOS VM that uses NAT, but we’ll be adding bridged networking for enhanced functionality.
Request access to the com.apple.vm.networking entitlement
Follow this thread in the Apple Developer Forums How to Request com.apple.vm.* Entitlements? and open a Technical Support Incidents (TSI) in your Apple Developer account page. Since this isn’t an actual tech support incident, the TSI will be credited back to you after the request is routed.
As your enquiry was administrative rather than technical, I’ve arranged to have the tech support incident asset that was consumed by this request returned to your account. That way you can use it for some other technical question in the future.
