Pf Configuration Incompatible With Pf Program Version [better] 〈INSTANT — 2024〉

If this value differs from pfctl -V , you have a mismatch.

freebsd-version -ku explicitly shows the installed kernel version ( -k ) alongside the installed userland version ( -u ).

The error is a critical, yet common, issue encountered by system administrators managing BSD-based firewalls, most notably on OpenBSD , FreeBSD , and pfSense . pf configuration incompatible with pf program version

Open /etc/rc.conf in a text editor and temporarily disable PF: pf_enable="NO" Use code with caution.

Complete the upgrade process. On FreeBSD, this typically involves running: freebsd-update install Use code with caution. If this value differs from pfctl -V , you have a mismatch

If it points to a local or third-party directory, try explicitly calling the absolute path of the system's default pfctl to see if the error persists: sudo /sbin/pfctl -f /etc/pf.conf Use code with caution.

: This guide is written for system administrators managing BSD firewalls in production environments. For further assistance, consult the FreeBSD Handbook's PF section or the official pf(4) and pfctl(8) manual pages. Open /etc/rc

This error occurs when the pfctl (Packet Filter Control) utility attempts to load a firewall configuration file ( pf.conf ) that contains syntax, features, or structures not supported by the currently running kernel version of the PF subsystem. In simple terms:

For systems where a full rebuild is not possible or desirable:

What and version are you running? (e.g., FreeBSD 14, macOS, OpenBSD)

: Indicates a structure change in how a rule is built. Common Culprits and How to Fix Them