ERROR_IPSEC_CLEAR_TEXT_DROP - 13916 (0x365C)

Technical Meaning

The error code ERROR_IPSEC_CLEAR_TEXT_DROP with the numeric value 13916 and hexadecimal representation 0x365C indicates that a packet was dropped by the IPsec protocol stack because it was not encrypted, despite being expected to be encrypted. This typically occurs in scenarios where IPsec is configured to encrypt all traffic but encounters unencrypted packets.

Error Details

This error code is specific to the IPsec subsystem and is used to notify applications or administrators that a clear text packet has been encountered during secure communication. The IPsec protocol suite requires that all data transmitted over a secured connection be encrypted for confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. When an unencrypted packet is received, it violates this requirement and triggers the ERROR_IPSEC_CLEAR_TEXT_DROP error.

Usage Context

This error code can be encountered in various scenarios where IPsec is enabled and expected to handle all traffic securely. Common contexts include:

• Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections
• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) encrypted sessions
• Directly configured IPsec policies on the network interface

Developer Interpretation

Developers should interpret this error as an indication that a security policy has been violated. Specifically, it suggests that a packet was received in clear text when encryption was expected. This could be due to several reasons, such as misconfiguration of the IPsec policy or issues with the network stack.

Related Errors

• ERROR_IPSEC_KEY_USAGE_MISMATCH (0x80245016): Indicates a mismatch between the key usage and the packet type.
• ERROR_IPSEC_PROCESS_DROP (0x365D): Indicates that an IPsec process has been dropped due to policy violations or other reasons.

FAQ

Q: What does the error code 13916 mean?

A: The error code 13916, ERROR_IPSEC_CLEAR_TEXT_DROP, indicates that a clear text packet was encountered by IPsec and has been dropped because it should have been encrypted.

Q: How can I troubleshoot this issue?

A: Review the IPsec policy configuration to ensure all expected traffic is being encrypted. Check for any misconfigurations or issues with the network stack.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_CLEAR_TEXT_DROP error code (13916) signifies that a clear text packet was received by the IPsec protocol, which violates security policies requiring encryption. This error should be interpreted as an indication of potential misconfiguration or security issues and requires attention to ensure secure communication.