Pf Configuration Incompatible With Pf Program Version [upd] Page

Ensure your entire base system is at the same release level. For example, on FreeBSD, check your version with freebsd-version -k (kernel) and freebsd-version -u (userland).

: A FreeBSD 13.1 firewall was upgraded to 13.2 via freebsd-update . The administrator forgot to reboot. When they ran service pf start , they received:

# Save current active rules (compatible with running kernel) pfctl -sr > /etc/pf.current.rules

If you accidentally installed sysutils/pf or security/pf from ports, it may have placed a newer pfctl in /usr/local/sbin . To resolve: pf configuration incompatible with pf program version

This is the most effective fix. Rebooting ensures the system loads the latest kernel that matches the updated pfctl program.

Yes, macOS uses PF as its firewall. If you upgrade macOS without ensuring compatibility, you may encounter similar issues. The pfctl command on macOS works in much the same way, though the kernel module may have Apple-specific modifications.

. If you have installed a different version via Homebrew or MacPorts, it might be trying to load rules the kernel doesn't understand. Check your path with: which pfctl Revert to Default Ensure your entire base system is at the same release level

If you encounter this error, do not panic. The core issue is often fixable.

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Stop packet filtering and clear state:

sysctl net.inet.pf.version net.inet.pf.version = 1.9

When faced with the "incompatible" error, the system administrator must isolate the specific line causing the parser failure. The standard utility pfctl provides debugging flags to assist in this process.

Understanding and Fixing "pf configuration incompatible with pf program version" The administrator forgot to reboot