Knowledge

ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_AUTH_PAYLOAD - 13889 (0x3641)

Received invalid authentication offers.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Introduction

This article provides a detailed technical analysis of the ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_AUTH_PAYLOAD error, which is encountered during Internet Key Exchange (IKE) negotiations in the context of Internet Protocol Security (IPsec). The error indicates that an invalid authentication payload was received.

Technical Background

The IPsec protocol suite ensures secure communication over IP networks by providing encryption and authentication services. IKE is a key component of IPsec, responsible for establishing security associations between peers. During the negotiation process, both parties exchange various payloads to agree on parameters such as encryption algorithms, keys, and authentication methods.

Error Details

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_AUTH_PAYLOAD error (13889 or 0x3641) is specific to the IPsec/IKE protocol stack. It indicates that an invalid authentication payload was received during the negotiation process. This can occur if one of the following conditions is met:

  • The peer sent a payload with incorrect data.
  • The authentication method used by the peer is not supported or configured correctly.
  • There is a mismatch in the expected and actual payloads due to configuration issues.

Common Causes

  1. Incorrect Authentication Method: If the peer attempts to use an unsupported or misconfigured authentication method, this error may occur.
  2. Invalid Payload Data: The data within the payload might be corrupted or incorrectly formatted, leading to validation failures.
  3. Configuration Mismatch: Discrepancies in configuration settings between the local and remote peers can result in invalid payloads being received.

Real-World Context

This error typically occurs during the initial phase of an IPsec connection establishment, where both parties exchange necessary information for establishing a secure tunnel. The error suggests that one party's authentication payload did not meet the expected criteria set by the other party or the local security policy.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the specific context and the importance of the communication being secured. If the connection is part of a mission-critical application, the error could indicate a significant security issue that needs immediate attention. However, in less critical scenarios, it might be more of an informational message indicating a need for configuration adjustments.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review IKE Negotiation Logs: Examine logs from both local and remote systems to identify where the invalid payload was received and what specific data was problematic.
  2. Verify Authentication Method Configuration: Ensure that all authentication methods are correctly configured on both ends of the connection.
  3. Check for Corrupted Data: Validate that no data corruption occurred during transmission, which could lead to malformed payloads.
  4. Confirm Security Policy Settings: Verify that security policies and configurations match expectations on both sides of the communication.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Authentication Method Usage: Ensure that all peers are using supported authentication methods as per the established security policy.
  2. Adjust Configuration Settings: Make necessary adjustments to configuration settings to align with expected parameters and payloads.
  3. Restore Data Integrity: If data corruption is suspected, restore or retransmit the correct data.
  4. Retry Negotiation: After making necessary corrections, retry the IKE negotiation process.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware that this error can occur due to a variety of factors, including configuration issues and unsupported features. It is essential to thoroughly test IPsec configurations in controlled environments before deploying them in production.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_AUTH_FAILURE (13890 or 0x3642): Authentication failure during IKE negotiation.
  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_CERT_EXPIRED (13895 or 0x364B): Certificate used in the IKE negotiation has expired.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_AUTH_PAYLOAD error indicate?

A: This error indicates that an invalid authentication payload was received during the IPsec/IKE negotiation process, suggesting a potential configuration or data integrity issue.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all peers are using supported and correctly configured authentication methods. Verify that security policies match on both ends of the communication and that no data corruption occurs during transmission.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_AUTH_PAYLOAD error is a specific indication of an issue with authentication payloads in IPsec/IKE negotiations. It requires careful diagnosis to identify the root cause, which could be related to configuration, data integrity, or unsupported features. By following the diagnostic and resolution guidance provided, developers can address this error effectively.