ERROR_LOGON_SESSION_COLLISION - 1366 (0x556)

Technical Background

The ERROR_LOGON_SESSION_COLLISION error, with the numeric code 1366 or hexadecimal representation 0x556, indicates that a logon session ID is already in use. This error typically arises during user authentication processes where multiple attempts to establish a new logon session are made using an existing session identifier.

Error Details

This specific error suggests that the system has detected an attempt to create or manage a logon session with an ID that is currently associated with another active session. Logon sessions in Windows are unique identifiers assigned to each user login, and they play a crucial role in managing security contexts and resource allocation.

Common Causes

• Invalid Parameter Values: An incorrect logon session ID may be provided during authentication attempts.
• Incorrect Object Type: The operation might be incorrectly applied to an object that is not a logon session.
• Exceeding Limits: There could be limitations on the number of concurrent logon sessions allowed by system policies or application configurations.

Real-World Context

This error can occur in various scenarios, such as when multiple applications attempt to authenticate using the same user account simultaneously. It is also relevant in environments where session management is critical, like enterprise networks with strict security protocols.

Is This Error Critical?

Yes, this error can be critical if it disrupts user access or application functionality. It may indicate a misconfiguration or a potential security issue that needs to be addressed.

How to Diagnose

1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation context is correct and matches the intended logon session ID.
2. Validate Parameters: Verify that all parameters, including the logon session ID, are correctly specified.
3. Confirm Object Types: Confirm that the object being manipulated is indeed a logon session and not another type of resource.
4. Check Limits or Constraints: Ensure that there are no system-wide limits on the number of concurrent sessions that could be causing this error.

How to Resolve

1. Correct Parameter Usage: Use the correct logon session ID for the operation being performed.
2. Adjust Operation Context: Modify the application logic to ensure it does not attempt to reuse an existing session ID.
3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore from a backup or use system tools to repair any issues.
4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt the operation again with valid and unique logon session IDs.

Developer Notes

Developers should ensure that their applications handle logon sessions correctly by validating input parameters and managing session IDs appropriately. This error can also indicate broader issues such as misconfigured security policies or application bugs, which may require further investigation.

Related Errors

• ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE (1326)
• ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER (1400)
• ERROR_TOO_MANY_SECRETS (1985)

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_LOGON_SESSION_COLLISION error mean?

A: This error indicates that a logon session ID is already in use, preventing the creation or management of a new session with the same identifier.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all logon session IDs are unique and correctly specified. Validate parameters before performing operations and check for any system-wide limits on concurrent sessions.

Q: Can this error be related to security issues?

A: Yes, it may indicate a misconfiguration or potential security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.

Summary

The ERROR_LOGON_SESSION_COLLISION error is specific to logon session management in Windows and indicates an attempt to use an existing session ID. Developers should ensure correct parameter usage and handle session IDs appropriately to avoid this error.