Knowledge

ERROR_IPSEC_INVALID_PACKET - 13914 (0x365A)

IPsec header and/or trailer in the packet is invalid.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_IPSEC_INVALID_PACKET error (13914, 0x365A) is a specific error code indicating that the IPsec header or trailer in a packet has been found to be invalid. This error typically occurs during the processing of IPsec-protected packets by the Windows operating system.

Error Details

The ERROR_IPSEC_INVALID_PACKET error suggests that there was an issue with the integrity or format of the IPsec header or trailer within a network packet. This can occur due to various reasons, such as corrupted data, incorrect usage context, or unsupported operations.

Common Causes

  • Corrupted Data: The IPsec header or trailer may have been damaged during transmission or storage.
  • Incorrect Usage Context: The operation being performed on the packet is not supported by the current configuration of the IPsec settings.
  • Unsupported Operations: Attempting to use an unsupported IPsec protocol or feature.

Real-World Context

This error can occur in various scenarios, such as when a network packet is received and processed by the Windows IPsec stack. It may also be encountered during troubleshooting or debugging of networking issues where IPsec protection is enabled.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If the error is related to critical security operations, such as encrypted data transmission, it could indicate a potential security vulnerability that needs immediate attention. However, if it occurs during non-critical operations, it may be less urgent.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the IPsec settings and configurations are correct for the current network environment.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check if all parameters used in the operation are valid and correctly formatted.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the packet being processed is of the expected type (e.g., IPv4, IPv6) and contains a valid IPsec header or trailer.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that the data within the packet has not been corrupted during transmission or storage.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Confirm that no system limits have been exceeded, such as maximum number of concurrent connections or packets processed.

How to Resolve

To resolve this issue, consider these practical steps:

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure all parameters are correctly set and used according to the IPsec protocol specifications.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: Modify the network configuration if necessary to ensure compatibility with the current IPsec settings.
  3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore from a known good backup or retransmit the packet.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to process the packet again using valid inputs and configurations.

Developer Notes

Developers should ensure that their applications handle IPsec packets correctly by validating headers and trailers before processing. Additionally, they should be aware of potential issues related to data integrity and network configuration.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_IPSEC_KEY_EXCHANGE_FAILED
  • ERROR_IPSEC_PROCESSING_ERROR
  • ERROR_IPSEC_SA_RENEGOTIATION

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_IPSEC_INVALID_PACKET error mean?

A: It indicates that there is an issue with the IPsec header or trailer in a network packet, such as corruption or unsupported operations.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure proper configuration of IPsec settings and validate all parameters before processing packets. Regularly check for data integrity issues and update your application to handle new IPsec features.

Q: Is this error related to security vulnerabilities?

A: In some cases, yes. If the packet corruption is due to malicious activity, it could indicate a potential security vulnerability that needs immediate attention.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_INVALID_PACKET error (13914, 0x365A) indicates an issue with the IPsec header or trailer in a network packet. This can be caused by corrupted data, incorrect usage context, or unsupported operations. Diagnosing and resolving this error involves validating parameters, checking for data integrity, and ensuring proper configuration of IPsec settings.