What is an SSL Common Name Wildcard Error , and How Can You Fix it?

Getting SSL Common Name Wildcard Errors for Subdomains in Browsers? Here’s a Detailed Guide with Quick Fixes to Solve It Immediately

Are you encountering issues with your wildcard SSL certificate, or receiving errors related to the Common Name (CN) mismatch? The SSL Common Name Wildcard Error typically occurs when there’s a discrepancy between the domain listed in the SSL certificate and the actual domain being accessed by the user.

While wildcard certificates offer flexibility by securing subdomains, they are limited to one level of subdomains only. Understanding these technicalities is essential for preventing common misconfigurations that can lead to errors and trust issues with website visitors.

In this article, we will explore the SSL Common Name Wildcard Error, and how can you fix it. We will also understand why it occurs, and quick steps to resolve it.

What is SSL Common Name Wildcard Error?

Wildcard SSL certificate secures a main domain and all its first-level subdomains. For example, a wildcard certificate for “*.abc.com” will also protect “shop.abc.com” and “blog.abc.com.”

However, issues can come up if there is a mismatch between the wildcard entry in the certificate and the domain or subdomain that a user tries to reach. It leads to error; this error means the browser doesn’t trust the certificate because it does not match the domain that is being accessed.

Imagine this: You have a wildcard certificate for all subdomains under *.yourdomain.com. A user wants to visit a subdomain like ‘blog.yourdomain.com.’ Instead of smoothly navigating to the site, they see a warning message: the SSL Common Name Wildcard Error.

This usually happens because the browser can’t confirm that the wildcard certificate covers the subdomain they are trying to reach. This error means there is a name mismatch. Although the wildcard character (*) in the certificate should cover ‘blog.yourdomain.com,’ the browser needs confirmation to be sure.

Common Causes of the Error

The error occurs when a wildcard certificate is used on subdomains it wasn’t meant for. For example, a certificate for *.example.com works only for subdomains like sub.example.com, not deeper ones like sub.sub.example.com. This often happens when a DII (Dynamic Invocation Interface) Java client connects to a .NET SOAP web service with mismatched domains. Several things can cause the SSL Common Name Wildcard Error. These are –

1. Misconfigurations in DNS Settings

   One of the main reasons is a mistake in your Domain Name System (DNS) settings. The browser may go to the wrong IP address if DNS records are wrong. This can stop a secure connection and create an error.

2. Incorrect SSL Certificate Installation

   Another reason can be an SSL certificate that is not installed correctly. If the certificate files are not in the right place on your server, there can be an SSL handshake failure. Due to the failure, the browser and the server might not work properly. This can also cause the error.

3. Issues with the CA

   A lesser-known issue might be issues with certificate authorities (CAs). Problems with the CA’s root certificate or intermediate certificates can break the chain of trust and lead to an error.

How to Identify SSL Common Name Wildcard Errors

To detect these errors, check that the Common Name (CN) of the SSL certificate belongs to the domain or subdomain which are being accessed. It is important for wildcard certificates to include subdomains.

The browsers might display messages like “SSL Certificate Error” or “Certificate Name Mismatch.” If your wildcard certificate is outdated or mismatched, it’s important to replace it. You can purchase SSL certificates from trusted providers that meet your domain needs.

You may use the SSL checker tools to check the certificate is correctly attached to the domain. Alternatively, server error logs often provide details about security connection issues. They include erroneous Common Names, which can pinpoint the underlying cause of the wildcard error.

Fixing SSL Common Name Wildcard Errors

Don’t let the SSL Common Name Wildcard Error hurt your online presence! Fixing this error is important for having a safe and reliable website. Although it may seem hard, the steps given below can assist you in solving the error.

Step 1: Verify Your Wildcard SSL Certificate

The journey to fixing this error starts with careful checking. First, you need to confirm your wildcard certificate. Focus on important details. Make sure the Common Name (CN) or Subject Alternative Name (SAN) field in the certificate has the right domain or subdomain.

Specifically, verify that the wildcard entry (e.g., *.example.com) matches the domain or subdomain you intend to secure. Even a small typo or mismatch in the certificate details, such as an extra letter or incorrect formatting, can cause the SSL Common Name Wildcard Error.

Step 2: Check Your Domain Name Configuration

Now look at your domain name settings, especially your DNS records. DNS is like the internet’s address book. Check that your DNS records, especially the record that points to your server’s IP address, are correct and up to date. If this information is off, it can guide the browser to the wrong place, causing an error.

You can access your DNS settings via the control panel of your hosting company or domain registrar. Make sure that the IP address linked to your domain or subdomain matches the IP address of the server where the SSL certificate is installed. If your records are outdated or incorrect, they could direct the browser to the wrong server, causing an error.

Step 3: Update or Replace Your Wildcard SSL Certificate

If you are still getting the SSL Common Name Wildcard error even after following the above two steps, it’s time to check your wildcard certificate. You might need to update or replace it. SSL certificates expire after a certain amount of time. Old certificates can cause problems and make your site less secure.

Contact your certificate authority (CA) or the place where you bought the certificate. Inform them of the error message that keeps appearing. They will assist you in obtaining a new certification. When you ask for a replacement, give them a current list of all your subdomains that need to be protected by the wildcard certificate. This will help prevent the error from happening again.

Also, ask your CA if they have multi-domain wildcard certificates. This special certificate can protect many base domains and their subdomains all in one.

Step 4: Configure Virtual Hosts or Server Blocks

If the virtual hosts or server blocks are not set up correctly, this issue may occur. When addressing numerous servers and several websites or subdomains on a single server, you should properly configure the SSL certificate for each domain and subdomain using Virtual Host or Server Blocks.

It is advised to confirm that the virtual host or server block configuration is configured appropriately by the wildcard SSL certificate.  If you think the issue persists, check your server’s manual or talk to your hosting provider.

Step 5: Check SSL/TLS Implementation on Server and Client

An issue with security connection on the client or server-side may also be the root cause of the Common Name Wildcard Error.

Examining your server’s configuration and optimizing it are some crucial steps to take. Additionally, confirm that the client-side software supports the same version of SSL and cipher suites that you have installed on your server.

If either side is using outdated or insecure configurations, compatibility issues could arise, potentially triggering the error. To avoid these issues, make sure both your server and client software are up to date, with the latest patches and configurations in place to prevent security errors.

Step 6: Enable SSL/TLS Debugging and Logging

This step can help a lot when you are fixing problems with Common Name Wildcard Errors. These logs show details about the SSL/TLS handshake between the web browser and the server. They can assist you to figure out why the error happens.

How you enable these logs depends on your server software. Popular web servers have ways to turn on debugging with modules and settings. After you turn them on, look through the logs for any error messages or warnings about the Secure connection.

Step 7: Consult with Experts or Support Teams

If your attempts to fix the error by yourself haven’t worked, don’t worry. You can get professional help by discussing it with your hosting provider’s support team. They know a lot about server settings and can help if it is a server issue.

If the problem is about your SSL certificate, contact the certificate authority (CA) that gave you the certificate. They can help you with certificate issues. If you have an IT department, they can also help. They will be useful if the error is related to network settings or server configurations that you can’t change.

Conclusion

Fixing this error is very important for keeping your website safe and reliable. You should identify what is triggering this error and follow a clear plan to fix it. By making sure everything is set up correctly and asking for expert help when needed, you can deal with the SSL Common Name Wildcard Error well. Remember, a safe website protects your data and builds user trust.