ERROR_IPSEC_INTEGRITY_CHECK_FAILED - 13915 (0x365B)

Technical Background

The ERROR_IPSEC_INTEGRITY_CHECK_FAILED error indicates a failure in the integrity check performed by the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) subsystem during packet processing. This error is specific to IPsec and pertains to the validation of data integrity.

Error Details

• Error Name: ERROR_IPSEC_INTEGRITY_CHECK_FAILED
• Numeric Code: 13915 (0x365B)
• Short Description: IPsec integrity check failed.

This error suggests that a packet or data segment being processed by the IPsec subsystem did not pass an integrity check, which could be due to corruption or tampering of the data during transmission. The IPsec protocol uses cryptographic mechanisms such as Message Authentication Codes (MACs) to ensure data integrity and authenticity.

Common Causes

• Invalid Data: The packet being processed contains corrupted or invalid data that fails the integrity check.
• Tampering: The data has been altered in transit, leading to a failed integrity check.
• Configuration Issues: Misconfigured IPsec policies or settings can lead to incorrect handling of packets.

Real-World Context

This error is typically encountered when using IPsec for secure communication over the network. It may occur during the establishment of a security association (SA) or while processing encrypted and authenticated data.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If it happens frequently, it could indicate a serious issue with the network infrastructure or the IPsec configuration. However, occasional occurrences might be due to temporary network conditions or minor issues that do not affect overall security.

How to Diagnose

1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the IPsec policies and configurations are correctly set up for the specific communication scenario.
2. Validate Parameters: Check if any parameters passed to the IPsec functions are valid and within expected ranges.
3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the objects being processed (e.g., packets) are of the correct type and format.
4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that the data being transmitted is not corrupted or tampered with before it reaches the IPsec subsystem.

How to Resolve

1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure all parameters used in IPsec operations are correctly specified and valid.
2. Adjust Operation Context: Modify the network environment or configuration settings if necessary, ensuring that they comply with the expected security policies.
3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore from a known good backup or source.
4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to reprocess the packet using valid and correctly formatted inputs.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware of the potential for this error in scenarios involving secure communication over IPsec. Proper validation of input data and configuration settings can help mitigate such issues. Additionally, monitoring network traffic and logs can provide insights into the root cause of these errors.

Related Errors

• ERROR_IPSEC_KEY_EXCHANGE_FAILED
• ERROR_IPSEC_PROCESSING_FAILURE
• ERROR_IPSEC_AUTHENTICATION_FAILED

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_IPSEC_INTEGRITY_CHECK_FAILED error mean?

A: This error indicates that an integrity check performed by IPsec on a packet failed, suggesting potential corruption or tampering of the data.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure proper configuration and validation of input data. Regularly monitor network traffic for signs of tampering or corruption.

Q: Is this error critical to system security?

A: The severity depends on the context. Frequent occurrences may indicate a serious issue, while occasional errors might be due to temporary conditions.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_INTEGRITY_CHECK_FAILED error is specific to IPsec and indicates a failure in data integrity checks. Developers should focus on proper configuration, validation of inputs, and monitoring network traffic to mitigate this issue.