The SSL Handshake Error usually occurs when a secure connection between a client and the server is not established.
It is important to fix SSL handshake errors fast to keep your website safe, trusted, and easy to find, especially since having an SSL certificate is crucial for ensuring a secure connection.
Let us look at how you can resolve the SSL Handshake Failed error.
What is an SSL Handshake?
SSL Handshake is just a mere process which initiates a secure connection between the web server and the browser. This procedure has multiple steps included to ensure that both the parties on both ends can communicate securely:
1. The client (browser) sends a message to the server, stating which SSL versions and encryption methods it supports.
2. The server responds by choosing an SSL version and encryption method from those offered by the client.
3. The server sends its SSL certificate to the client. This certificate includes the server’s public key and is signed by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
4. The client validates the server’s certificate to ensure it is genuine and trustworthy.
5. The client generates a secret key and encrypts it with the server’s public key. This key will be used for encrypting data during the session.
6. Both the client and server use the secret key to create a session key. This key is used to encrypt data exchanged during the session, ensuring it remains secure.
7. With the session key in place, the client and server can communicate securely, preventing unauthorized parties from intercepting or tampering with the data.
What causes the ‘SSL handshake failed’ error?
Also, the SSL handshake error can be triggered because of network issues, such as firewalls or proxies which are blocking the handshake and problems with the client’s browser or system settings. At the same time if the intermediate certificates are not properly installed then in this case SSL handshake error can occur.
Also, the SSL handshake error can be triggered because of network issues, such as firewalls or proxies which are blocking the handshake and problems with the client’s browser or system settings. At the same time, if the intermediate certificates are not properly installed, then an SSL handshake error can occur.
How to Fix the SSL Handshake Failed Error?
To fix the SSL handshake error on your own all you need to do is to follow several steps so that you address the various kinds of potential issues in the process. You can resolve this issue within minutes by following the steps given below.
1. Check SSL Configuration
You need to have a look whether both the client and server are able to support the common SSL versions and cipher suites.
- Update SSL Versions: The older versions of SSL like the 2.0 and 3.0 should be disabled as soon as possible as they are outdated.
- Configure Cipher Suites: Configuring and updating the ciphers is another solution for this error as the outdated or weak cipher might cause handshake issues.
2. Verify SSL Certificate
Having an invalid or expired certificate can cause handshake failures as well. So, you need to make sure that you do not possess one.
- Check Certificate Validity: The SSL certificates on average possess a lifespan of two years and it must be renewed before expiration. You also need to make sure that the SSL certificate is valid, if not then it may trigger this issue.
- Verify Certificate Chain: One more thing to ensure is that the certificate chain is correctly installed on the server which also includes the intermediate certificates. One thing to keep in mind is that a missing intermediate certificate can also lead to handshake errors.
- Check Certificate Details: It is also necessary that the certificate details match the server details. Common name (CN) or subject alternative name (SAN) in the certificate should also match the server’s domain name.
3. Update and Configure Browsers
Sometimes, the issue lies with the client’s browser configuration.
- Update Browser: You need to ensure that your browser is updated to the latest version as the older versions might not support the latest SSL protocols.
- Clear Browser Cache: There are times when you might face an SSL error just because you might have not cleared your browser’s cache. So, you are advised to clear your browser’s cache and see if it works.
- Check Browser Settings: This issue can also be resolved by ensuring that the browser settings are correctly configured to support SSL connections.
4. Server Configuration and Logs
Examining the server configuration and logs is also one of the necessary steps to avoid this error and to identify and fix potential issues.
- Server Logs: It is crucial for you to review the server logs to identify errors related to SSL handshakes. Looking at the logs can give you specific error messages that can help pinpoint the problem.
- Firewall and Proxy Settings: Ensuring that the firewall or proxy servers are not blocking SSL connection might as well resolve the SSL handshake issue.
- SSL Libraries: The SSL handshake can also be resolved by updating the SSL libraries on the server, such as OpenSSL to the latest version to ensure compatibility and security are in place.
5. Check Network Configuration
One thing that you need to keep in mind is that network issues sometimes can also interfere with the SSL handshakes.
- DNS Configuration: It is crucial to make sure that the DNS settings are apt, and that the domain name resolves to the correct IP address.
- Network Latency: You need to check for network latency if there are any or packet losses as this can disrupt the handshake process.
- Firewall Rules: You need to make sure that firewall rules do not block SSL traffic.
6. Client-Side Issues
There are also issues on the client side which can cause SSL handshake failures.
- System Date and Time: Incorrect date and time settings can lead to certificate validation failures.
- Operating System Updates: To avoid this error, it is essential to ensure that the client’s operating system is up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
- Antivirus and Security Software: It is possible that other security software might interfere with the SSL connections. You need to temporarily disable any such software to check if it is causing the issue.
7. Debugging and Testing Tools
You can diagnose and fix the SSL handshake error by using various tools such as:
- SSL Test Tools: By making use of online tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test, you can check the server’s SSL configuration and identify the prevailing issues.
- OpenSSL Command Line: To test the SSL handshake from the command line, you can use OpenSSL commands.
- Browser Developer Tools: Developer tools can also be used to inspect the SSL handshake process and identify where it fails.
8. Common Errors and Fixes
There are common specific errors that cause SSL handshake failures.
- ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR: This specific error usually indicates that there is some kind of protocol mismatch or there are some issues with the server settings. To make sure that the server is configured to use compatible protocols.
- SSL Certificate Name Mismatch: You also need to ensure that the certificate’s common name matches the server’s domain name.
- Expired SSL Certificate: As discussed earlier in this blog, it is essential to renew the SSL certificate before it even expires to avoid handshake failures.
9. Contacting Support
If you have tried all the above solutions and nothing is working out, then in that case it is advised that you should consider contacting the SSL certificate provider or web hosting support for assistance. The certificate provider can offer specific guidance and help you troubleshoot the issue as well.
The SSL Handshake Failed error usually needs to be approached in a quiet methodological way to identify and resolve the prevailing issues in the SSL handshake process.
Otherwise, the underlying issues may persist, leading to continued SSL handshake failures and potentially impacting the security and functionality of the connection.
Hence, it is important for businesses to address SSL handshake failures promptly to maintain a secure and reliable online presence.
