Knowledge

ERROR_DS_SEC_DESC_INVALID - 8354 (0x20A2)

The security descriptor is invalid.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_DS_SEC_DESC_INVALID error code is a specific Windows API error that indicates an issue with the security descriptor provided to or received from a directory service operation. Security descriptors are critical for managing access control and authorization in Windows environments, particularly within Active Directory (AD) and other directory services.

Error Details

The ERROR_DS_SEC_DESC_INVALID error is returned when a security descriptor passed to an API function is not valid according to the expected format or content. This can occur during operations such as adding or modifying objects, querying object properties, or performing access control checks within AD or other directory services.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Parameter Values: The security descriptor provided does not conform to the required structure or contains invalid data types.
  • Incorrect Object Type: The operation is being performed on an object type that does not support security descriptors in the context of the operation.
  • Corrupted Data: The security descriptor may have been corrupted during transmission, storage, or processing.

Real-World Context

This error typically occurs when a developer or administrator attempts to manipulate objects within AD using APIs such as DsAdd, DsGetProp, or DsSetProp. It can also arise in scenarios where the security descriptor is derived from external sources and then used in directory service operations.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context. If it occurs during a critical operation, such as adding a user to a group with specific permissions, it could prevent the operation from completing successfully. However, if it happens infrequently or during non-critical operations, it may not have significant impact.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation is being performed in an appropriate context (e.g., correct domain controller, proper authentication).
  2. Validate Parameters: Verify that all parameters passed to the API function are valid and correctly formatted.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Check if the object type supports security descriptors for the specific operation.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that the security descriptor data is not corrupted or malformed.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters, including the security descriptor, are correctly formatted and valid.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If the context is incorrect (e.g., wrong domain controller), adjust it accordingly.
  3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore or reinitialize the security descriptor.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: After addressing any issues identified in the diagnosis steps, retry the operation.

Developer Notes

When working with directory services and security descriptors, ensure that all operations are performed within the constraints of the supported object types and API functions. Validate input data thoroughly to avoid such errors.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_DS_DRA_SCHEMA_CONFLICT (0x20A1): Indicates a schema conflict in directory replication.
  • ERROR_DS_OBJECT_NOT_FOUND (0x2098): Object not found during an operation, which might lead to invalid security descriptor issues if the object is required for the operation.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_DS_SEC_DESC_INVALID error mean?

A: It indicates that a security descriptor provided to or received from a directory service operation is invalid.

Q: How can I prevent this error?

A: Ensure all parameters are correctly formatted and valid, especially when dealing with security descriptors. Validate input data thoroughly before performing operations.

Q: Can this error occur in non-AD environments?

A: While primarily associated with AD, similar errors might occur in other directory services that use security descriptors for access control.

Summary

The ERROR_DS_SEC_DESC_INVALID error is a specific Windows API error indicating issues with the security descriptor provided to or received from a directory service operation. By understanding its causes and following diagnostic and resolution steps, developers can effectively manage this error in their applications.