Knowledge

ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_KERBEROS_ERROR - 13827 (0x3603)

Failed to authenticate using Kerberos.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_KERBEROS_ERROR is a specific error code indicating that the Kerberos authentication mechanism failed during an IPsec IKE (Internet Key Exchange) negotiation. This error typically arises in scenarios where Kerberos tickets are required for secure communication between network entities.

Error Details

  • Error Name: ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_KERBEROS_ERROR
  • Numeric Code: 13827
  • Hex Code: 0x3603
  • Short Description: Failed to authenticate using Kerberos.

This error suggests that the system was unable to successfully obtain or validate Kerberos tickets necessary for establishing a secure connection via IPsec IKE. The failure could be due to various reasons, such as incorrect configuration, network issues, or problems with the Kerberos service itself.

Common Causes

  • Incorrect Configuration: Misconfigured Kerberos settings or policies on the client or server side.
  • Network Issues: Network connectivity problems preventing successful communication with the Kerberos Key Distribution Center (KDC).
  • Service Availability: The KDC is unavailable or experiencing issues, leading to authentication failures.
  • Ticket Expiry: Kerberos tickets have expired and need renewal before they can be used for authentication.

Real-World Context

In a typical enterprise environment, IPsec IKE negotiations are often used to establish secure tunnels between network devices. When these negotiations fail due to the ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_KERBEROS_ERROR, it may indicate that the Kerberos service is not functioning correctly or that there are issues with the Kerberos tickets being generated or utilized.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the specific context in which it occurs. In a security-sensitive environment, such as an enterprise network, this error could be indicative of a serious issue that needs immediate attention to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted over IPsec tunnels.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that all relevant Kerberos settings are correctly configured on both client and server sides.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check for any misconfigurations or incorrect parameters passed during the IKE negotiation process.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the correct object types (e.g., service principal names) are being used in the authentication process.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that Kerberos tickets are valid and not expired.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Confirm that there are no resource limits or capacity issues affecting the Kerberos service.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure all parameters used in the IKE negotiation process are correct and up-to-date.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If network connectivity is an issue, troubleshoot and resolve any network problems that may be preventing successful communication with the KDC.
  3. Restore Data: Renew Kerberos tickets if they have expired or become invalid.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to re-establish the IPsec IKE negotiation using valid inputs and configurations.

Developer Notes

When encountering this error, developers should ensure that their applications are correctly handling Kerberos authentication mechanisms and that all necessary dependencies (such as the KDC) are functioning properly. Additionally, logging and monitoring tools can be invaluable in diagnosing and resolving such issues.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NO_CERT (0x80352104): Indicates a failure related to certificate authentication during IPsec IKE negotiations.
  • ERROR_IPSEC_PROCESS_INIT_FAILED (0x80352007): Suggests that the IPsec process initialization failed, which could impact Kerberos-based authentication.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_KERBEROS_ERROR indicate?

A: This error indicates a failure in authenticating using Kerberos during an IPsec IKE negotiation. It suggests issues with the Kerberos service or misconfigured settings.

Q: How can I troubleshoot this issue?

A: Start by reviewing Kerberos configuration, validating parameters, and ensuring network connectivity to the KDC. Renewing expired tickets may also resolve the issue.

Q: Is this error critical for security?

A: Yes, in environments where secure communication is paramount, this error could indicate a potential security vulnerability that needs immediate attention.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_KERBEROS_ERROR is a specific error code indicating Kerberos authentication failures during IPsec IKE negotiations. Troubleshooting involves reviewing configuration, validating parameters, and ensuring network connectivity to the KDC. Proper handling of this error can help maintain secure communication channels in enterprise environments.