Knowledge

ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_SIG - 13875 (0x3633)

Invalid certificate signature.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The error code ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_SIG with the numeric value 13875 and hexadecimal representation 0x3633 is associated with issues in Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) or Internet Key Exchange (IKE) operations. This specific error indicates that a certificate signature was found to be invalid, which can impact the security of IPsec/IKE sessions.

Error Details

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_SIG error typically arises when the system encounters an issue with the authentication process during IPsec or IKE negotiations. Specifically, it suggests that one or more certificates involved in the negotiation did not have a valid signature, which is critical for establishing secure communication channels.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Certificate Signature: The certificate used in the IPsec/IKE negotiation does not contain a valid digital signature.
  • Incorrect Certificate Usage: A certificate intended for one purpose was incorrectly used in another context within the IPsec/IKE framework.
  • Certificate Revocation: The certificate has been revoked and is no longer trusted by the system.

Real-World Context

In practical scenarios, this error might occur when a client or server attempts to establish an IPsec tunnel but encounters a certificate that fails validation. This could be due to a misconfigured certificate, a compromised certificate authority (CA), or issues with the certificate's lifecycle management.

Is This Error Critical?

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_SIG error is critical for maintaining the security of IPsec/IKE operations. It indicates that the authentication process has failed, which could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches if not addressed promptly.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that all certificates involved in the negotiation are correctly configured and properly installed.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check for any misconfigurations in certificate usage parameters such as key lengths or algorithms.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the correct type of object (certificate) is being used in the IPsec/IKE operation.

How to Resolve

To resolve this issue, consider the following steps:

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all certificate parameters are correctly set and match the expected values.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: Review the context in which the certificates are being used and ensure it aligns with their intended purpose.
  3. Restore Data: If a certificate has been compromised or revoked, replace it with a valid one from a trusted CA.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware that this error can significantly impact the security of IPsec/IKE operations. It is crucial to implement robust certificate management practices and ensure that all certificates are properly validated before use in any secure communication session.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_CERT_EXPIRED (13876, 0x3634): Certificate has expired.
  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_CERT_REVOKED (13877, 0x3635): Certificate has been revoked.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_SIG error mean?

A: This error indicates that a certificate used in IPsec/IKE operations did not have a valid digital signature, which is critical for establishing secure communication channels.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure all certificates are properly configured and validated before use. Regularly update and manage the lifecycle of your certificates to avoid issues such as expiration or revocation.

Q: Can this error be caused by hardware failures?

A: No, this specific error is related to software validation processes and does not indicate a hardware failure. However, if the certificate store is corrupted, it could lead to similar errors.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_SIG error indicates an invalid certificate signature in IPsec/IKE operations. It is critical for maintaining security and should be addressed promptly. Developers should ensure proper certificate management practices are in place to prevent such issues.