ERROR_IPSEC_DOSP_RECEIVED_MULTICAST - 13926 (0x3666)

IPsec DoS Protection received an IPsec specific multicast packet which is not allowed.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_IPSEC_DOSP_RECEIVED_MULTICAST error code indicates a specific security mechanism within the Windows IPsec DoS Protection subsystem. This error is triggered when an IPsec-specific multicast packet is received, which is not permitted by the configured security policies.

Error Details

  • Error Name: ERROR_IPSEC_DOSP_RECEIVED_MULTICAST
  • Numeric Code: 13926 (0x3666)
  • Short Description: IPsec DoS Protection received an IPsec specific multicast packet which is not allowed.

This error suggests that the system's security policies are configured to block or reject certain types of multicast packets, specifically those related to IPsec. The presence of such a packet may indicate a potential security threat or misconfiguration in the network environment.

Common Causes

  • Incorrect Usage Context: The operation context might not be appropriate for receiving an IPsec-specific multicast packet. For example, the system might be configured to block all multicast traffic except under specific conditions.
  • Exceeding Limits: There could be a limit on the number of allowed multicast packets or types of packets that can be processed by the DoS Protection subsystem.

Real-World Context

In a typical network environment, IPsec is used for secure communication between hosts. Multicast packets are generally used to distribute information to multiple recipients simultaneously. However, in the context of DoS protection, multicast traffic might be considered suspicious or potentially harmful and thus blocked by security policies.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the specific network environment and the security policies in place. If the system is configured to block all multicast packets, receiving one could indicate a misconfiguration or an attempt to bypass security measures. However, if the system is designed to allow certain types of multicast traffic, this error might not be as critical.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Verify that the operation context aligns with the expected behavior for receiving IPsec-specific packets. Ensure that the network configuration and security policies are correctly set up.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check if any parameters related to multicast traffic or IPsec settings have been misconfigured.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Ensure that the object types involved in the operation (e.g., network interfaces, security policies) are correctly identified and configured.
  4. Verify Input Data: Confirm that the input data is valid and does not contain any suspicious elements.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Verify that the system has not exceeded any limits on multicast packet processing.

How to Resolve

  • Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters related to IPsec and multicast traffic are correctly configured according to the security policies.
  • Adjust Operation Context: If the operation context is incorrect, adjust it to match the expected behavior. This might involve changing network configurations or modifying security policies.
  • Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore the system from a known good state or apply patches and updates as necessary.
  • Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to perform the operation again using valid inputs that comply with the security policies.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware of the specific security mechanisms in place for IPsec DoS Protection. Understanding these mechanisms can help in diagnosing and resolving issues related to multicast traffic and other network-related operations.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_IPSEC_DOSP_BLOCKED_MULTICAST: This error might occur if a different type of multicast packet is blocked by the security policies.
  • ERROR_IPSEC_DOSP_RECEIVED_UNEXPECTED_PACKET: Similar to this error, but for unexpected packets that do not fall under the specific category of IPsec-specific multicast traffic.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_IPSEC_DOSP_RECEIVED_MULTICAST error mean?

A: This error indicates that an IPsec-specific multicast packet was received by the DoS Protection subsystem, which is not allowed according to the configured security policies.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that your network configuration and security policies are correctly set up to handle multicast traffic. Regularly update and patch your system to address any potential vulnerabilities.

Q: Is this error critical for my system's operation?

A: The criticality of this error depends on the specific network environment and security policies in place. If the system is configured to block all multicast packets, receiving one could indicate a misconfiguration or an attempt to bypass security measures.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_DOSP_RECEIVED_MULTICAST error code indicates that an IPsec-specific multicast packet was received by the DoS Protection subsystem, which is not allowed according to the configured security policies. This error can be diagnosed and resolved by reviewing the operation context, validating parameters, confirming object types, verifying input data, and checking limits or constraints. Understanding the specific security mechanisms in place for IPsec DoS Protection can help in diagnosing and resolving issues related to multicast traffic.