Deciphering the "error:1408F10B:SSL routines:ssl3_get_record:wrong version number" Nginx Error
Have you encountered the frustrating "curl: (35) error:1408F10B:SSL routines:ssl3_get_record:wrong version number" error while working with Nginx? This error usually pops up when attempting to access an HTTPS website or service, causing a significant disruption in your workflow. Let's break down the error, explore common causes, and provide solutions to get you back on track.
Understanding the Error Message
This error indicates a mismatch between the SSL/TLS protocol versions supported by your Nginx server and the client (like your browser or curl). In simpler terms, your server and client are speaking different "languages" when trying to establish a secure connection.
Scenario and Original Code Example
Let's imagine you're hosting a website on your Nginx server and suddenly find yourself unable to access it securely. You try accessing it through your browser, and it throws the dreaded "error:1408F10B" message. Here's a simplified Nginx configuration file (nginx.conf) that might lead to this problem:
server {
listen 443 ssl;
server_name example.com;
ssl_certificate /path/to/your/certificate.pem;
ssl_certificate_key /path/to/your/key.pem;
}
This configuration does not specify the allowed SSL/TLS protocol versions, relying on the default settings, which can lead to compatibility issues.
Common Causes
- Outdated Nginx Version: Older versions of Nginx might not support newer SSL/TLS protocols like TLS 1.3.
- Missing or Incorrect TLS Configuration: The Nginx configuration might lack the necessary directives to define which protocol versions your server should use.
- Client-Side Restrictions: Your browser or curl might be configured to only use specific SSL/TLS protocols, which might not be supported by the server.
- Misconfigured SSL Certificate: An outdated or improperly configured SSL certificate can contribute to compatibility issues.
Solutions and Troubleshooting Steps
-
Update Nginx to the Latest Version: Ensuring you're using the latest Nginx version usually helps resolve most compatibility issues. You can find instructions for upgrading on the official Nginx documentation.
-
Configure Allowed SSL/TLS Versions: Add the following directives to your
nginx.conffile within the server block:ssl_protocols TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3; ssl_ciphers 'EECDH+AESGCM:EDH+AESGCM:AES256+EECDH:AES256+EDH';These lines ensure the server only accepts connections using TLS 1.2 and 1.3 and define a set of strong ciphers.
-
Verify Client-Side Settings: Check your browser or curl settings to ensure they are not configured to use outdated or unsupported SSL/TLS versions. For instance, you might need to enable TLS 1.2 or 1.3 in your browser settings.
-
Check SSL Certificate: Ensure your SSL certificate is up-to-date and correctly configured in your Nginx configuration.
-
Test with Different Clients: Try accessing the website or service using various browsers or curl versions to isolate potential issues.
Additional Tips
- Restart Nginx: After making any changes to your Nginx configuration, remember to restart the service.
- Review Logs: Check your Nginx error logs for further clues about the problem.
- Use a Security Scanner: Use online tools like Qualys SSL Labs to analyze your server's security configuration and identify potential vulnerabilities.
By understanding the error, its causes, and the necessary fixes, you can confidently resolve the "error:1408F10B" Nginx error and ensure secure communication between your server and your clients.
