ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_STRONG_CRED_AUTHORIZATION_FAILURE - 13906 (0x3652)

Overview

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_STRONG_CRED_AUTHORIZATION_FAILURE error code (13906, 0x3652) indicates that a Security Association (SA) establishment attempt in the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) framework has failed due to insufficiently strong Public Key Infrastructure with Initial Authentication Token (PKINIT)-based credentials.

Technical Background

The IPsec protocol suite is used for secure communication over networks. The IKE (Internet Key Exchange) phase establishes and manages security associations between peers. PKINIT is an extension that integrates Public Key Cryptography into the Kerberos authentication framework, providing mutual authentication during the initial handshake of IKE negotiations.

Error Details

This error occurs when the system attempts to establish a Security Association but fails because the provided credentials do not meet the required strength criteria for PKINIT-based authentication. This typically involves issues with the cryptographic key exchange or certificate validation process.

Common Causes

• Invalid Parameter Values: Incorrectly configured security policies or incorrect parameters passed during IKE negotiation.
• Incorrect Object Type: Attempting to use a non-PKINIT-based credential in an operation that requires PKINIT authentication.
• Exceeding Limits: The system may have limitations on the strength of credentials allowed for certain operations.

Real-World Context

This error is commonly encountered in enterprise environments where IPsec is used for secure communication between trusted entities. It can also occur when integrating with Kerberos-based authentication systems that require strong PKINIT credentials.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context. In a security-sensitive environment, failing to establish an SA due to insufficiently strong credentials could expose vulnerabilities and should be addressed promptly.

How to Diagnose

1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation is being performed in the correct context where PKINIT-based authentication is required.
2. Validate Parameters: Check the security policies and parameters configured for IPsec/IKE negotiations.
3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the credentials used are of the expected type (PKINIT-based).
4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that the cryptographic keys or certificates meet the strength requirements specified by the policy.

How to Resolve

1. Correct Parameter Usage: Adjust security policies and parameters to ensure they align with the required strength criteria for PKINIT-based credentials.
2. Adjust Operation Context: If the operation is not intended to use PKINIT, adjust the context or use appropriate credentials.
3. Restore Data: If corrupted data is suspected, restore from a known good backup if available.
4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to establish the SA again using valid and strong credentials.

Developer Notes

Developers should ensure that their applications are configured correctly for IPsec/IKE negotiations and that they handle PKINIT-based authentication appropriately. This includes validating input parameters, ensuring correct credential usage, and adhering to security policies.

Related Errors

• ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_AUTHORIZATION_FAILURE: General authorization failure in IKE negotiation.
• ERROR_IPSEC_PROCESS_CERTIFICATES_FAILED: Failure during certificate processing in IPsec/IKE negotiations.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_STRONG_CRED_AUTHORIZATION_FAILURE error mean?

A: This error indicates that a Security Association establishment attempt has failed due to insufficiently strong PKINIT-based credentials.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that your security policies and parameters are correctly configured for IPsec/IKE negotiations, and use appropriate PKINIT-based credentials.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_STRONG_CRED_AUTHORIZATION_FAILURE error is specific to the failure of establishing a Security Association in the IPsec framework due to insufficiently strong PKINIT-based credentials. Developers should ensure that their applications are configured correctly for this type of authentication and handle it appropriately.