Plexamp causes kernel panics on MacOS Big Sur

[bispymusic]

Server Version#: 1.20.4.3517
Player Version#: Plexamp 3.3.1, 3.2.1

I upgraded to MacOS Big Sur this morning on my 2018 iMac and Plexamp is now causing the system to kernel panic each time I load it. It normally crashes my system within 10 seconds of being opened, but the first two times it caused a kernel panic only upon attempting to play a song (after having been opened for several minutes).

I was running Plexamp 3.2.1 but I patched to 3.3.1 and the issue is persisting. Since Big Sur relaunches all applications after a kernel panic, I have to quickly force-quit the app upon reboot or it will cause a kernel panic loop.

I never had any issues on MacOS Catalina with Plexamp. Playing in the Plex web app in Safari is OK.

I will attach a comment with Plexamp Console logs on MacOS, the most recent Apple crash report logs, and if someone thinks it’s valuable, I’ll also attach PMS logs.

[tom80H]

Do you have any extensions / add-ons installed on your system?
I’m on 3.3.1 as well and just updated to Big Sur… songs are playing fine so far (same for the app opening etc.) – no crashes / kernel panics yet.

[bispymusic]

plexamp Console Logs

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.332 [Javascript] INFO - METRICS: Initializing.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.333 [Javascript] INFO - USER: Refreshing users.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.336 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Loaded 3 devices.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.337 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Initializing manager.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.337 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Fetching latest provider list from cloud.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.337 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Fetching latest list from cloud.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.337 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Fetching latest cloud player list from [https://sonos.plex.tv](https://sonos.plex.tv/)

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.338 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Starting connection test.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.365 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Fast-path connection testing.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.366 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Finding best connection for Podcasts tv.plex.provider.podcasts.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.366 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Skipping actual connection testing for Podcasts.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.366 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Finding best connection for [system name removed] 016842F3-8968-49C4-93FD-99D0187C75FE.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.367 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to http://[internal ip address of Apple TV]:32500/resources

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.367 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Persisting devices.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.367 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Initialization finished in 30ms.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.370 [Javascript] INFO - App: Device manager initialized in 37ms.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.372 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Reading libraries and features from Podcasts

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.372 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://podcasts.provider.plex.tv/

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.373 [Javascript] INFO - Sync: Loaded in 3ms.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.373 [Javascript] INFO - Sync: Refreshing all items.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.373 [Javascript] INFO - ACCOUNT: Refreshing data.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.386 [Javascript] INFO - LRUCache: Loading 123 entries into Palette cache.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.387 [Javascript] INFO - LRUCache: Loading 317 entries into Loudness cache.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.390 [Javascript] INFO - LRUCache: Loading 1312 entries into Images cache.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.390 [Javascript] INFO - App: Settings, offline and cache initialized in 20ms.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.390 [Javascript] INFO - Audio: Initializing.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.390 [Javascript] INFO - Audio: Binding settings.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.391 [Javascript] INFO - Audio: Setting player info.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.391 [0x00b89e00] DEBUG - BASS: Starting up.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.398 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Device 1: Default - enabled default - sample rates:

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.399 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Device 2: Built-in Output - enabled default handset hdmi headset line speakers - sample rates: 44100/48000/96000

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.399 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Device 3: USB AUDIO  CODEC - enabled handset hdmi headset line speakers - sample rates: 32000/44100/48000

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.400 [0x00b89e00] DEBUG - BASS: Using plugin path '/Applications/Plexamp.app/Contents/Resources/treble/'.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.406 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Loaded FLAC plug-in version 2.4.4.3

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.414 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Loaded OPUS plug-in version 2.4.1.13

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.421 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Loaded APE plug-in version 2.4.2.0

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.427 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Loaded MPC plug-in version 2.4.1.2

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.434 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Loaded DSD plug-in version 2.4.1.2

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.434 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Core version 2.4.15.13

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.434 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Mixer version 2.4.9.18

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.434 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: FX version 2.4.12.3

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.434 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Curl version is 7.65.1 (protocols: dict file http https; ssl: SecureTransport; libz: 1.2.11).

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.435 [0x00b89e00] ERROR - BASS: Error [BASS_FXSetParameters(m_volume, &m_volumeParam)] - 5

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.436 [Javascript] INFO - PlayQueue: Saving state {"state":"stopped","volume":100}

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.436 [Javascript] INFO - PlayQueue: Initializing volume to 100.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.436 [Javascript] INFO - App: Player initialized in 46ms.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.437 [Javascript] INFO - Server Activity: Connecting based on switch.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.438 [Javascript] INFO - Server Activity: Trying to connect to 5ec48547d5bf7a05a7b1e28d9db1faab95e5738f.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.445 [Javascript] INFO - Player: Initializing with state {"state":"stopped","volume":100}

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.445 [Javascript] INFO - Discovery: Refresh based on server/library switch.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.445 [Javascript] INFO - Discovery: Fetching hubs for library /library/sections/14 server 5ec48547d5bf7a05a7b1e28d9db1faab95e5738f

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.446 [Javascript] INFO - App: Stopping activity recognition.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.446 [Javascript] INFO - Player: Sending state changed [A]  -  (0/0) in state stopped with artwork false.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.447 [Javascript] INFO - Network changed: type is unknown effectiveType is 4g -> 2

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.447 [Javascript] INFO - Discovery: Refresh based on network coming online.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.447 [Javascript] INFO - Discovery: Fetching hubs for library /library/sections/14 server 5ec48547d5bf7a05a7b1e28d9db1faab95e5738f

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.447 [Javascript] INFO - Sync: New network type 2

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.447 [0x00b89e00] INFO - BASS: Network switched to 2.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.447 [Javascript] INFO - App: Network is connected, but type changed to 2, so doing preemptive connection testing on selected server.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.447 [Javascript] INFO - DEVICE: Finding best connection for Uranus 5ec48547d5bf7a05a7b1e28d9db1faab95e5738f.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.447 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.447 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed public ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.455 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/hubs/sections/14?count=4&includeExternalMetadata=1&excludeElements=Similar,Mood&includeLibraryPlaylists=1&includeStations=1&includeStationDirectories=1&excludeFields=summary&includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.455 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/sections/14/all?type=10&sort=lastViewedAt:desc&group=guid&viewCount>=1&limit=4&includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.456 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/hubs/sections/14?count=4&includeExternalMetadata=1&excludeElements=Similar,Mood&includeLibraryPlaylists=1&includeStations=1&includeStationDirectories=1&excludeFields=summary&includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.456 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/sections/14/all?type=10&sort=lastViewedAt:desc&group=guid&viewCount>=1&limit=4&includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.464 [Javascript] INFO - Cloud: Loading from storage 20 items and 1 deleted.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.464 [Javascript] INFO - Cloud: Syncing.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.465 [Javascript] INFO - App: Stores initialized in 29ms.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.465 [Javascript] INFO - Shortcuts: Initializing!

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.466 [Javascript] INFO - Init: Stores all initialized.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.467 [Javascript] INFO - App: Boot complete in 153ms.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.480 [Javascript] WARNING - Animated: `useNativeDriver` is not supported because the native animated module is missing. Falling back to JS-based animation. To resolve this, add `RCTAnimation` module to this app, or remove `useNativeDriver`. More info: https://github.com/facebook/react-native/issues/11094#issuecomment-263240420

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.548 [Javascript] WARNING - PanGestureHandler is not yet supported on web.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.549 [Javascript] WARNING - PanGestureHandler is not yet supported on web.

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.797 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/metadata/152839/children?includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.798 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/metadata/152827/children?includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.798 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/metadata/152808/children?includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.798 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/metadata/152768/children?includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.800 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/metadata/131478/children?includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.800 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/metadata/148196/children?includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.801 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/metadata/152739/children?includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

Nov 13, 2020 15:44:24.801 [Javascript] INFO - HTTP: Issuing request to https://[removed private ip address].5f7c471db47d4a16825bff738c0982c2.plex.direct:32400/library/metadata/148386/children?includeFields=thumbBlurHash&X-Plex-Device-Name=neptune

[bispymusic]

Extensions/Add-ons on which system? My Mac with Plexamp running, or the PMS Server?

PMS Server is an Ubuntu Server 20.04 running headless, and up to date on patches.

I’m not aware of having any kernel extensions on the iMac itself.

[tom80H]

This log isn’t showing any particular issues. If you had a kernel panic, the Mac logs might be more interesting/telling.

My question was about the Mac that runs Plexamp.
Do you have hiccups or crashes with other apps on this machine? Any fancy details about your use case (e.g. tons of external screens or desktops, special audio equipment, …)!!!

[Nefarious420]

Same issue here after updating to Big Sur, Launching Plex is an instant kernal panic.

[bispymusic]

It appears that the crash is due to an enterprise anti-malware tool I’m running which intercepts network traffic to look for malicious callbacks. The endpoint software only has an issue when Plexamp is launched. It’s perfectly fine otherwise. Likewise Plexamp seems to be OK when the network inspection component is disabled by the administrator.

Apple’s crash logs names the endpoint security tool as the actual process causing the crash but it’s interesting that it doesn’t crash when I’m using Plex via web browser.

I’ve opened a ticket with the security vendor as well.

[tom80H]

Thanks for sharing. If I may ask… what security tool is that?

[Volts]

@bispymusic

enterprise anti-malware tool

I love that “enterprise” is secret code for “hasn’t been updated”.

[SE56]

I’m not sure why Security Tools like this are being used. Modern OS’s are very safe as long as your sensible where you go, use a VPN, use a second router to branch you IOT’s, manually port forward, download from recognized developers. The latter is to be the most careful about.

[Volts]

“Enterprise” is also code for “easier to comply with audit requirements than to argue”.

In the other thread it was also when a traffic management extension was installed. If anybody else is having similar crashes, after the reboot you should be prompted to share the crash info. If you share it that may give some useful info.

[bispymusic]

The software is Cisco AMP. It is the latest release version, which supports Big Sur. To be honest, I’m not sure if Plexamp or AMP is the culprit, as I have a myriad of other software on my computer and each of these two programs work fine when the other is not running. No one else I know is having any issues, but I’m the only one who I know of who also runs Plexamp. If needed, I may remove it and revert to the web browser, and try again in a few months.

[Volts]

@bispymusic

I’m not sure if Plexamp or AMP is the culprit

It’s a macOS bug, for sure. Apple made developers move to a new API for network filtering, and this panic is only triggered when there’s a “new style” network extension active.

Applications shouldn’t be capable of triggering a kernel panic, period. It’s an OS bug.

I haven’t been able to find anybody else talking about it, yet. Usually the Internet likes pointing out Apple’s problems, especially after the disaster on Thursday. Or any way to prevent it from happening, except disabling the kernel extensions (or not using the software). It doesn’t seem to be dependent on any other part of the network, and happens on a wide variety of hardware.

I also haven’t figured out what Plexamp (or the DLNA server in PMS - see the other thread) are doing to tickle it. They both do some “broadcast” and “listen” magic.

[bispymusic]

I’ll be happily awaiting the first MacOS patch.

[bispymusic]

I received a confirmation that Apple has (privately at least) acknowledged this is a bug in Big Sur itself, as you suspected, and they are working to resolve for all vendors who provide these network filtering solutions.

[Volts]

It’s resolved in the macOS 11.1 Beta.

[meaning]

Same issue here. Clicking play with cisco anyconnect installed instantly crashes the kernel + reboot macos.

When I uninstall Cisco anyconnect, no more issues !

I’ll wait for 11.1 to be public to see if it fixes the problem on my side as well.

[tom80H]

@meaning

I’ll wait for 11.1 to be public

macOS 11.1 has been release to the public on December 14, 2020.

[meaning]

Strangely, it was not showing up for me since I used the beta program earlier. Had to switch back to beta program, update to 11.2, and I can now confirm there are no more kernel panics when using plexamp. thanks !