I need to block all outgoing connection attempts made by a particular app in order to prevent it from downloading updates automatically via ipfw?
3 Answers
You could try to edit the hosts file and redirect the application's requests into the void that is 127.0.0.1.
If you want a graphical front end to ipfw (it's still installed on 10.5 and 10.6, though not as prominently), I'd recommend Flying Buttress (Shareware). If cost is an issue, Wikipedia has a list of alternative user interfaces for ipfw, many of which run on Mac OS X. Alternatively, you could go all old school and configure ipfw by hand.
Ipfw is, however, only an IP packet filter - you'll only be able to block access for all applications or none and only for a specific host and port. If you want to block all connection attempts by a particular application, you need an application-level firewall, the best-known of which is probably Little Snitch.
Are you trying to block a phone home or an automatic update because i've seen very few programs that don't let you disable automatic updates .
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osx updates safari so you just have to turn off auto updating for osx. This worked for me. for chrome " Go to 'Library' at the root level of your hard drive. In Library you will find a folder called 'Google'. In this folder there is another folder called 'Googlesoftwareupdate'. Delete it. Next time you open Chrome you will get a message saying that auto updates may not work and asking if you wish to enable them. Respond to this in the negative. No more auto updates." this worked for me. i have no clue about chrome os but i'm sure if you kill googles updater it'll kill it.– morganDec 16, 2010 at 16:36