Troubleshooting PKCS #11 Library Path in VeraCrypt on macOS

Introduction:
Working with encryption and security tools like VeraCrypt on macOS can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. One such issue is the “dlopen” error related to the PKCS #11 library. In this blog, we’ll explore how to resolve the error and set up the PKCS #11 library path in VeraCrypt to ensure smooth operations.

The Error:
If you’ve encountered the following error while using VeraCrypt on macOS:

dlopen(/usr/local/lib/keychain-pkcs11.dylib, 0x0006): tried: ‘/usr/local/lib/keychain-pkcs11.dylib’ (code signature invalid (errno=1) sliceOffset=0x00038000, codeBlobOffset=0x00031390, codeBlobSize=0x00004E80 for ‘/usr/local/lib/keychain-pkcs11.dylib’)
VeraCrypt::SecurityToken::InitLibrary:529

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This error might seem related to the PKCS #11 library, but the actual cause lies elsewhere.

The Solution:
While it’s easy to point fingers at the PKCS #11 library itself, the error might stem from compatibility issues with utilities built upon the library. One effective solution is to install OpenSC, an open-source smart card library and tools (https://github.com/OpenSC/OpenSC).

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Install OpenSC:
– Open a terminal window.
– Clone the OpenSC repository by running:
git clone https://github.com/OpenSC/OpenSC.git
– Navigate to the OpenSC directory:
cd OpenSC
– Follow the instructions in the repository’s README to build and install OpenSC.

2. Update the PKCS #11 Library Path in VeraCrypt:
– Open VeraCrypt.
– Go to the “Settings” menu and select “Preferences.”
– In the Preferences window, navigate to the “Security Tokens” tab.
– Under “PKCS #11 Library Path,” click on the “…” button to browse and locate the shared object (.so) file of the OpenSC library. The path might be something like `/usr/local/lib/opensc-pkcs11.so`.

3. Test and Verify:
– Restart VeraCrypt and test whether the error is resolved.
– Attempt to use the PKCS #11 library features within VeraCrypt.

Conclusion:
Encountering the “dlopen” error related to the PKCS #11 library while using VeraCrypt on macOS can be frustrating. However, by understanding that the issue might be related to utility compatibility rather than the library itself, you can take appropriate steps to resolve it. Installing OpenSC and updating the PKCS #11 library path in VeraCrypt can help you overcome this error and continue using VeraCrypt’s security features without interruption.

Remember, technical issues like these are opportunities for learning and problem-solving. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the PKCS #11 library path error in VeraCrypt on macOS.