What are the possible causes of error ssl_error_rx_record_too_long?

What is SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG Error in Firefox?

Many online businesses require a proper SSL certificate setup to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches. The connection is not authorized if the SSL certificate is not configured correctly.

If you see a Firefox SSL error message, it means the authenticity of the received information couldn't be validated. This usually indicates a security issue, often from the server's end, preventing access to the website. This error is common among Firefox users.

Sometimes, this error occurs when a new SSL/TLS certificate version is released. The current SSL version is TLS 1.3, and similar issues arose when TLS 1.2 was first released a decade ago. The website administrator must identify the root cause to choose the appropriate TLS version for better encryption.

While this error is common, there are proven methods to fix it. Before troubleshooting, it's important to understand the potential causes of these error messages.

Possiblе causеs of еrror ssl_еrror_rx_rеcord_too_long

As you can see in the screenshot above, this error notice provides some information regarding the problem. It indicates, for example, that the page you're attempting to see cannot be displayed "because the authenticity of the received data could not be verified."

It also shows that the secure connection failed and that there is a problem with the site's SSL certificate.

This error message could be caused by a lack of security on the website you're attempting to access, whether it's your own or someone else's. In a nutshell, the most typical problem is that the SSL certificate is not properly configured, and as a result, your browser is unable to successfully complete the connection with the port on the server.

One of the potential causes could be a misconfigured listing port. Another possible explanation is that your browser presently does not support an adequate version of Transport Layer Security (TLS). This used to be a widespread problem with TLS 1.2, but it now appears to be a problem with TLS 1.3 as well.

How To Fix the “SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG” Error in Firefox

For Website Owners:

Solution 1: Configure the Listening Port

When there's no SSL/TLS certificate, web traffic between a browser and your website server happens through port 80 (also called the 'listening port'). After installing the SSL certificate, port 443 allows secure data transfer using the HTTPS protocol.

If the SSL certificate for port 443 isn't configured correctly, all web traffic through it will face problems. Different servers have different ways of setting up SSL/TLS certificates, so make sure to do what's necessary for your server.

Solution 2: Update Your TLS/SSL Library

This error can also occur if your website server isn't compatible with your SSL/TLS version. In such cases, you can visit OpenSSL and update the SSL library. While most browsers support TLS 1.3, a few may need updates. Ensure your website has TLS 1.3 support in Firefox.

At a minimum, make sure your website server supports TLS 1.2, disable outdated versions like SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0, and immediately stop using TLS 1.1 after March 2020.

These solutions are specific to the server side. Now, let's look at how you can fix the SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG error on the client side.

Solutions for Website Visitors:

If you're just a visitor to a website and see the SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG error, there are limited things you can do. You can either temporarily bypass the error or make your browser trust the website for a short time. However, only the website owner can provide a permanent solution to this problem.

The following are seven methods for resolving the "SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG" problem.

1.Clear Your Browser History and Cache

Launch Firefox and select the hamburger menu icon (three vertical lines in the top right-hand corner of the screen).

Next, select Settings, then the Privacy & Security tab:

Next, select Clear Data from the Cookies and Site Data box. A new window will open:

Make sure all options are selected, and then click on the Clear button. Next, under the History section of the same Privacy & Security screen, select Clear History.

After that, restart your browser and try to access the website that was displaying the problem notice. If it doesn't work, it's time to try the next solution.

2.Update and Reset Firefox

Another possible solution for the "SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG" error is to update and reset your Firefox browser.

To do so, go back to the menu icon and then pick Help, followed by About Firefox:

A new window will open:

Restart Firefox by clicking the Restart button. Reopen the browser and try visiting the site again after it's finished.

3.Disable Your Browser Extensions

Disabling your browser extensions is another option. This is especially important if you have ad blockers, firewalls, or antivirus plugins installed.

It is crucial to note that shutting off any of these programs permanently is not advised. Temporarily disabling these tools, on the other hand, can assist you in determining whether they are the root of the problem and, if so, finding an alternative.

Toggle the switches here to disable each extension.

Navigate to the browser menu and then click Help. Then, select Restart with Add-ons Disabled. You can also restart the browser while in troubleshooting mode.

When you choose one of these options, a dialogue box will appear. Select Restart. Then, observe if the "SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG" problem message still appears when you visit the site.

4.Try Using the HTTP Protocol

If you continue to receive the error message, you might try circumventing the security protocol. In other words, the "s" in the "HTTPS" section of the URL address can be removed:

When the "s" is removed, the HTTP protocol is automatically selected. Press Enter to reload the page and see whether the problem has been resolved.

5.Update Your Proxy Settings

Another reason you may be seeing this "SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG" error is if you have the incorrect proxy connections.

The first step in determining whether this is the case is to disable your proxy settings. You can do so by going to the Firefox menu and selecting Settings.

Select Settings: Network Settings at the bottom of the screen.

In the window that opens, select the first option that says No proxy:

Finally, press the OK button. Restart the browser to see if the problem has been resolved.

6.Change Your TLS Preferences

As previously stated, this error could be caused by your TLS settings. As a result, changing your options may help.

To begin, type "about:config" into the address box of your Firefox browser and hit Enter. You should see a window asking you to agree to be cautious. Click Accept the Risk and Proceed:

Next, type “tls” into the search bar and click on Enter again. In the list, look for the option that says security.tls.version.max and double-click on it:

Now, update the TLS from “4” to “3”. Once that’s done, restart your browser and try visiting the site again.

7.Add the Site to Your Trusted Sites List

To resolve the "SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG" problem in Firefox, add the website you're attempting to access to your trusted sites list.

We'll look at how to fix this with Windows. Begin by typing "internet options" into your Windows menu's search bar:

In the Internet Properties window that opens, click on the Security tab, followed by Trusted Sites:

Next, click the Sites button. A new window will be launched. Enter the URL of the website that is displaying the error notice in this window.

When you're finished, go to Add > Close. Finally, click the Apply button, followed by the OK button.

All of the browsers on your device that you use to view this website will now trust it.

Conclusion

Be cautious if you're visiting a website and considering using unsecured methods to access it. Avoid sharing any important financial details like credit card numbers or bank account information, and don't provide personal information such as your email address, phone number, physical address, or social security number on such websites.

Remember that SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG is an error on the server side. If you force your browser to ignore it, you're entering a website that doesn't encrypt your data. This makes your information vulnerable to theft and potential attacks by third parties intercepting your communication.


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