How To Fix 1S013 - SSF error: Unknown error in external security product

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 1S - Messages for SSF ("Secure Store & Forward")

• Message number: 013

• Message text: SSF error: Unknown error in external security product

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 1S013 - SSF error: Unknown error in external security product ?

  The SAP error message 1S013 SSF error: Unknown error in external security product typically indicates an issue with the Secure Store and Forward (SSF) interface in SAP, which is used for cryptographic operations such as digital signatures and encryption. This error can arise due to various reasons related to the external security product or configuration issues.
  Causes:
  
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the SSF settings in the SAP system can lead to this error. This includes issues with the SSF library or parameters.
  External Security Product Issues: The external security product (like a cryptographic library or hardware security module) may not be properly installed, configured, or may be malfunctioning.
  Missing or Incorrect Certificates: If the required certificates for the cryptographic operations are missing or not correctly set up, it can lead to this error.
  Compatibility Issues: There may be compatibility issues between the SAP system and the external security product.
  Authorization Issues: The user or service account may not have the necessary permissions to access the external security product.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Configuration: Review the SSF configuration in the SAP system. Ensure that the SSF parameters are correctly set in transaction SSFC (SSF Configuration).
  Verify External Security Product: Ensure that the external security product is correctly installed and configured. Check the documentation for the specific product for any required settings.
  Check Certificates: Verify that all necessary certificates are present and correctly configured. You may need to import or renew certificates if they are missing or expired.
  Test Connectivity: If using a hardware security module (HSM), ensure that the SAP system can communicate with it properly. Check network settings and firewall rules if applicable.
  Review Logs: Check the SAP system logs (transaction SM21) and the logs of the external security product for any additional error messages that could provide more context.
  Update Software: Ensure that both the SAP system and the external security product are up to date with the latest patches and updates.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the documentation of the external security product for troubleshooting steps specific to that product.
  Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or the support team for the external security product for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to SSF errors for any known issues or patches that may address the problem.
  Documentation: Review the official SAP documentation on SSF and the specific external security product you are using for detailed configuration and troubleshooting steps.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SSF error in your SAP system.