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SSL_ERROR_NO_RENEGOTIATION

Key idea:

SSL_ERROR_NO_RENEGOTIATION — Firefox tried to renegotiate the TLS session (e.g. for client cert auth on a specific path), but the server refused. Renegotiation is deprecated for security reasons (CVE-2009-3555). nginx with ssl_verify_client on per-location requires renegotiation on Firefox, while Chrome uses an HTTP/2-compatible approach.

Below: causes, fixes, FAQ.

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Common Causes

  • nginx per-location ssl_verify_client on
  • Apache SSLVerifyClient require in
  • TLS 1.3 without post-handshake auth support
  • Server disabled renegotiation for security
  • LB/proxy does not support renegotiation

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Move client auth to a separate subdomain
  2. Use TLS 1.3 post-handshake auth (nginx 1.19+)
  3. Alternative: pre-configured client cert in TLS handshake
  4. Enterno SSL for renegotiation support check
  5. HTTP/2 requires a separate connection for client auth

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Related SSL Errors

TL;DR: Understanding SSL_ERROR_NO_RENEGOTIATION in Firefox

The SSL_ERROR_NO_RENEGOTIATION error in Firefox indicates that an SSL/TLS connection attempt failed due to the server's inability to renegotiate the session parameters. This often occurs when a server does not support renegotiation or when the client (browser) has strict settings. To resolve this, ensure your server supports secure renegotiation by configuring your web server settings properly. For example, on Apache, you may need to enable the 'SSLHonorCipherOrder' directive.

Causes of SSL_ERROR_NO_RENEGOTIATION

The SSL_ERROR_NO_RENEGOTIATION error can stem from several factors that impact the SSL/TLS handshake process. Below are the primary causes:

  • Server Configuration: Many web servers do not support SSL/TLS renegotiation by default. This is often the case with older servers or those configured with strict security policies.
  • Client Settings: Firefox may be configured to reject renegotiation attempts for security reasons, especially if the server’s security protocols are outdated.
  • Network Issues: Firewalls or proxies may interfere with SSL/TLS handshakes, leading to renegotiation failures.
  • Certificate Issues: Problems with SSL certificates, such as expiration or improper installation, can also trigger this error.

To troubleshoot, start by checking your server's configuration and ensuring that it complies with modern security standards.

Fixing SSL_ERROR_NO_RENEGOTIATION in Firefox

To resolve the SSL_ERROR_NO_RENEGOTIATION error, follow these steps based on your server type:

1. Apache Configuration

For Apache servers, you may need to enable secure renegotiation. Edit your Apache configuration file (typically /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf or /etc/apache2/sites-available/your-site.conf) and add the following directives:

SSLProtocol all -SSLv2 -SSLv3
SSLHonorCipherOrder on

After making changes, restart Apache:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

2. Nginx Configuration

If you are using Nginx, ensure that your configuration supports secure renegotiation. In your server block (usually found in /etc/nginx/sites-available/your-site.conf), include:

ssl_protocols TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3;
ssl_prefer_server_ciphers on;

Then, restart Nginx:

sudo systemctl restart nginx

3. Verify Certificate Validity

Ensure that your SSL certificate is valid and properly installed. You can check this using the following command:

openssl s_client -connect your-domain.com:443

This command initiates a connection to your server and displays the SSL certificate details. Look for any alerts or errors regarding the certificate.

4. Update Firefox

Make sure you are using the latest version of Firefox. Updates often include important security fixes and enhancements to SSL/TLS handling. To update Firefox, navigate to Help > About Firefox in the menu.

By following these steps, you can diagnose and resolve the SSL_ERROR_NO_RENEGOTIATION error effectively, ensuring a secure browsing experience for users.

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Mixed content on HTTPS siteHTTP resources on an HTTPS page — the browser lock icon disappears, reducing trust.
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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is renegotiation deprecated?

Secure renegotiation (RFC 5746) ok. Insecure renegotiation — CVE-2009-3555. TLS 1.3 removed renegotiation entirely and replaced it with post-handshake auth.

HTTP/2 + client auth?

HTTP/2 does not support renegotiation → separate subdomain for client auth is the modern approach.

Firefox workaround?

Disable TLS 1.3: security.tls.version.max=3 in about:config. NOT recommended.

OpenSSL config?

<code>ssl_protocols TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3;</code> + apply client auth on TLS 1.3 only.

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