No Access to certain Mac system-level features
For some reason I am not able perform certain system-level functions on my remote Mac. The ones I've noticed so far are...
When trying to access the hidden Library folder (holding the alt/option key when viewing the "Go" menu in Finder). If I open the Go menu, then press the alt/option key, nothing happens...but then when I release the key, the menu flashes for a split second like it's trying to show the Library folder. Oddly, if I hold the alt/option key before opening the Go menu, it works fine and the Library folder is revealed.
A little more concerning though... if I install an app or enable a feature that requires additional permission via Security & Privacy in System preferences, I'm not able to complete the authorization. For example, if I enable a feature in an app that requires it to load an extension --and Mac Security blocks that extension-- I then have to go into Security & Privacy in the System Settings and click the "Allow" button to unblock it. The problem is that when I click the "Allow" button, nothing happens. The button flickers briefly but doesn't actually engage. The only way I can get it to accept my click is if I physically do it on that computer with it's own mouse.
I imagine this issue affects other system features, these are just the only two I've run into so far.
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Here is an example of how it looks... https://i.imgur.com/p1CbP8u.mp4
The quick flashes in the menu happen each time I press and release the alt/opt key.
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I may be able to shed a little bit of light on this, as I have run into the same issue. From what I have been able to figure out, certain security functionalities simply cannot be performed remotely. Taking your above example, having to confirm a kernel extension or something via the "Security and Privacy" system preference, even if I connect via Apple's built-in screen sharing functionality I can click on the "Allow" button. In addition, I have a Mac Mini connected to a TV, and I have a remote mouse program install on my iPhone, and the server app on the Mac Mini - even using the remote mouse I can't click on the "Allow" button.
My guess is that this isn't a bug or an oversight on Apple's part but a deliberate choice for security reasons. While annoying and frustrating, it does make some sense as it prevents a malicious entity that may have connected remotely from performing too much harm (i.e. installing a perpetual kernel extension that constantly reinstalls a virus after it's been removed).
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You’re exactly right. It turns out that Apple implemented a security policy (starting in El Capitan I think) that doesn’t allow certain security features to be accessed from a remote desktop or synthetic mouse software.
I’ve found a few workarounds that others have had success with...
Using Script Editor
-First, use Shift+Command+4 to determine the screen coordinates for the “Allow” button.
-Then, in Script Editor, run: tell application "System Events" to click at {880, 511}
*make sure to substitute with the proper coordinates
*if you get an error like “Script Editor is not allowed assistive access.”, make sure Script Editor is enabled in System Preferences / Security & Privacy / Privacy / Accessibility
Using Terminal
-Run: osascript -e 'tell application "System Events" to click at {584, 819}'
*again, insert the mouse coordinates you get from shift-cmd-4
Using the Keyboard (Tab and Space Bar)
-First, make sure you have “All controls” enabled; System Preferences / Keyboard / Shortcuts / Keyboard (All controls is at the bottom)
-Then back in Security & Privacy, press the Tab key until the Allow button is highlighted, press the Space Bar to select it
* the Security & Privacy page may need to be unlocked before Tab will work
Using “Mouse Keys” (controlling the mouse using the keyboard number pad)
-Enable Mouse Keys in System Preferences / Accessibility / Mouse & Trackpad
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