ERROR_SXS_INCORRECT_PUBLIC_KEY_TOKEN - 14095 (0x370F)

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_SXS_INCORRECT_PUBLIC_KEY_TOKEN error indicates that a public key token in a cryptographic signature does not match the expected value. This typically occurs during the verification of digital signatures, which are used to ensure the authenticity and integrity of software components.

Error Details

This error is specific to scenarios involving side-by-side assembly (SxS) deployment or execution environments where strong naming and digital signing are enforced. The public key token is a unique identifier derived from the public key in a digital certificate, which is used to verify that the code has been signed by an expected publisher.

Usage Context

This error can be encountered when attempting to load or execute assemblies that have been digitally signed with a specific public key. If the public key token in the signature does not match the expected value, the system will generate this error and prevent the assembly from loading or executing.

Developer Interpretation

Developers should ensure that all assemblies are correctly signed with the appropriate public key before deployment. Misconfiguration of signing keys can lead to this error. Additionally, developers must verify that their application's configuration and code references match the expected public key tokens.

Related Errors

• ERROR_SXS_KEY_NOT_FOUND (14096): Indicates a missing or invalid public key in a digital signature.
• ERROR_SXS_DUPLICATE_PUBLIC_KEY_TOKEN (14097): Occurs when multiple assemblies have the same public key token, leading to ambiguity.

FAQ

Q: What causes this error?

A: This error is typically caused by incorrect or missing public key tokens in digital signatures. It can also occur if the expected public key token does not match the actual one during assembly loading.

Q: How can I resolve this issue?

A: Ensure that all assemblies are correctly signed with the appropriate public key and that the configuration files (such as app.config or web.config) specify the correct public key tokens. Verify the integrity of the signing process and ensure that no conflicting keys exist in your deployment.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_INCORRECT_PUBLIC_KEY_TOKEN error is a specific technical issue related to digital signatures and assembly loading in Windows environments. Developers should focus on ensuring proper configuration and verification of public key tokens to avoid this error.