Need a fix for Firefox SEC_ERROR_INADEQUATE_KEY_USAGE error

In summary, Firefox used to let you override the warning about a self-signed certificate, but newer versions just block the site. You can fix the problem by copying the profile data from home to work.
  • #1
Borg
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I figured that I would post this in case someone may know the answer. I have a small server at home that is using a self-signed certificate. Firefox used to give a warning about this and then let you accept the certificate. However, newer versions just block the site without being able to override the warning.
FirefoxError.jpg

I did find a fix that required you to install an older version of Firefox, go to the site, override the warning and then install the newer version of Firefox. That worked great at home but I don't have that kind of administrative access on one of my work computers.

I suspect that there is something being set in my profile that is saving the overrides. If so, I should be able to copy that to the profile on my work computer. However, all of my searches have turned up nothing. The best resource that I've found so far is this one describing where Firefox stores profile data. Unfortunately, I haven't had any success yet.

Does anyone know which file may have this data so that I might be able to copy it from my other computer?
 
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  • #2
One of the articles that I looked at led me to think that I might be using a non-TLS setting on my server. I will check later to see if that's the case. Then, I just have to update one line on the server and restart.
 
  • #3
It can be your antivirus as well. It may be blocking the untrusted certificates and preventing you from going to the site. Actually a really good thing in production scenarios.

Have you tried adding the certificate in question to your trusted store?
 
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  • #4
Routaran said:
It can be your antivirus as well. It may be blocking the untrusted certificates and preventing you from going to the site. Actually a really good thing in production scenarios.

Have you tried adding the certificate in question to your trusted store?
Yes, I have added the root CA that I created to Firefox. The problem didn't start until I was upgraded and the admin rebuilt my profile on the machine. That killed the previous override.
 
  • #5
In windows the profile data should be stored under c:\users\yourname\appdata\
there are 3 folders, roaming, local and one other.
Look under each and find the firefox/mozilla folder.
Copy the contents of that folder and paste it into the same location at your work system. That will effectively copy your profile from home to work.

since it's under your account, you should not require admin rights to do this.
 
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  • #6
Routaran said:
In windows the profile data should be stored under c:\users\yourname\appdata\
there are 3 folders, roaming, local and one other.
Look under each and find the firefox/mozilla folder.
Copy the contents of that folder and paste it into the same location at your work system. That will effectively copy your profile from home to work.

since it's under your account, you should not require admin rights to do this.
Yes, I've tried that with the roaming part of the profile where most of the profile stuff is located. There wasn't a Firefox folder in the third one (LocalLow). I guess that I could try copying both completely to see if it works but the version at work is a little older and is an ESR version. I can give it a try with both profile sections.

I looked at the server's cert and it seems OK.
BorgPiEncryption.jpg


This is exactly the same that you see if you look at PF's Tools -> Page Info -> Security tab.
PFEncryption.jpg
 
  • #7
Check your TLS security settings on firefox
in the address bar, type in about:config
then in the search box, tls

and check these settings
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WpSdMF2vCj1hP1pxR60L9U118tPm8mLdK9K0tRCWLg5zAKSicTbBBWBhBJTckFt_FzuK6B5MjuCILaA=w1920-h904
 
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  • #8
Yup. Been there also. I even added my IP to the security.tls.insecure_fallback_hosts to see if that would help. I'll double check the settings again tomorrow along with attempting to use a full copy of my Mozilla profile.
 
1.

What is the SEC_ERROR_INADEQUATE_KEY_USAGE error in Firefox?

The SEC_ERROR_INADEQUATE_KEY_USAGE error is an SSL/TLS error that occurs when there is a mismatch between the server's certificate and the intended use of the certificate. This can happen when a website's certificate does not have the appropriate key usage extensions for the type of encryption being used.

2.

Why am I getting the SEC_ERROR_INADEQUATE_KEY_USAGE error in Firefox?

There are several reasons why you may be getting this error. It could be due to an outdated or incorrect certificate on the server, a misconfigured server, or an issue with your Firefox browser settings. Additionally, the error can also occur if the website is using outdated encryption methods that are no longer supported by Firefox.

3.

How can I fix the SEC_ERROR_INADEQUATE_KEY_USAGE error in Firefox?

To fix this error, you can try a few different solutions. First, make sure that your Firefox browser is up to date. If that doesn't work, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. If the error persists, you may need to contact the website owner and let them know about the issue so they can update their certificate. Alternatively, you can try accessing the website in a different browser, as the error may be specific to Firefox.

4.

Is the SEC_ERROR_INADEQUATE_KEY_USAGE error a security risk?

Yes, this error can pose a security risk as it means that the website is not using the appropriate security measures for encryption. This could potentially make your connection to the website vulnerable to attacks and intercepting of sensitive information. It is important to resolve this error to ensure a secure browsing experience.

5.

Can I bypass the SEC_ERROR_INADEQUATE_KEY_USAGE error in Firefox?

While it is possible to bypass this error by clicking on the advanced option and proceeding to the website, it is not recommended. Bypassing the error means that your connection to the website may not be secure, putting your personal information at risk. It is best to try and resolve the error using one of the methods mentioned above.

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