How To Fix LDAP_DELAYED_AUTH012 - LDAP server &1 provides no transport layer security for user passwords

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: LDAP_DELAYED_AUTH - LDAP Delayed Authentication

• Message number: 012

• Message text: LDAP server &1 provides no transport layer security for user passwords

What causes this issue?

The function of "Delayed Authentication" sends the users password to a
directory service.
In order to protect the password on the transport layer, this
functionality requires that transport layer security is enabled for the
directory service. The currently chosen directory service from ABAP
customizing (transaction LDAP, function "LDAP Servers") does not fulfil
this requirement.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

"Delayed Authentication" requires that the ICM LDAP plug-in is used (the
LDAP Connector is not supported)<(>,<)> and the security protocol is set
to either STARTTLS or LDAPS.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message LDAP_DELAYED_AUTH012 - LDAP server &1 provides no transport layer security for user passwords ?

  The SAP error message "LDAP_DELAYED_AUTH012 LDAP server &1 provides no transport layer security for user passwords" indicates that the SAP system is attempting to authenticate users against an LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server, but the connection to the LDAP server does not support transport layer security (TLS). This can lead to security vulnerabilities, as user passwords may be transmitted in plain text.
  Cause:
  
  Lack of TLS Configuration: The LDAP server is not configured to support TLS, which is necessary for secure communication.
  Incorrect LDAP URL: The LDAP URL used in the SAP configuration may not specify the use of TLS (e.g., using ldap:// instead of ldaps://).
  Firewall or Network Issues: There may be network configurations or firewalls that prevent secure connections to the LDAP server.
  Outdated LDAP Server: The LDAP server may be outdated or misconfigured, lacking support for secure connections.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Enable TLS on the LDAP Server:
  
  Configure the LDAP server to support TLS. This typically involves generating a certificate, configuring the server to use it, and ensuring that the server listens on the appropriate port (usually 636 for LDAPS).
  Consult the documentation for your specific LDAP server (e.g., OpenLDAP, Microsoft Active Directory) for detailed steps on enabling TLS.
  
  
  
  Update SAP Configuration:
  
  Change the LDAP connection string in the SAP system to use ldaps:// instead of ldap://. This indicates that the connection should be secured with TLS.
  Ensure that the SAP system is configured to trust the certificate used by the LDAP server. This may involve importing the LDAP server's certificate into the SAP system's trust store.
  
  
  
  Check Network Configuration:
  
  Ensure that there are no firewalls or network policies blocking the secure connection to the LDAP server.
  Verify that the LDAP server is reachable over the network using the secure port.
  
  
  
  Test the Connection:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the connection from the SAP system to the LDAP server to ensure that authentication works correctly and securely.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to LDAP integration and TLS configuration for specific guidance and troubleshooting steps.
  LDAP Documentation: Refer to the documentation for your LDAP server for details on configuring TLS and troubleshooting connection issues.
  Security Best Practices: Always ensure that sensitive information, such as passwords, is transmitted securely to protect against interception and unauthorized access.
  
  By addressing the above points, you should be able to resolve the LDAP_DELAYED_AUTH012 error and ensure secure authentication between your SAP system and the LDAP server.