How To Fix SAML2021 - The validation of message '&1' failed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SAML2 - SAML2 Nachrichten

• Message number: 021

• Message text: The validation of message '&1' failed

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 SAML2021 - The validation of message '&1' failed ?

  The SAP error message SAML2021 indicates that there is a failure in the validation of a SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) message. This error typically occurs in scenarios involving Single Sign-On (SSO) configurations, where SAML assertions are used to authenticate users.
  Causes of SAML2021 Error
  
  
  Invalid Signature: The SAML assertion may have an invalid signature, which means that the assertion cannot be trusted. This could be due to a mismatch between the signing certificate used by the Identity Provider (IdP) and the one configured in the Service Provider (SP).
  
  
  Expired Assertion: The SAML assertion may have expired. Each assertion has a validity period, and if the current time is outside this range, the assertion will be considered invalid.
  
  
  Incorrect Audience: The audience specified in the SAML assertion may not match the expected audience configured in the SAP system.
  
  
  Malformed Assertion: The SAML assertion may be malformed or not conforming to the expected structure, which can lead to validation failures.
  
  
  Clock Skew: There may be a time synchronization issue between the IdP and the SP, leading to a situation where the assertion is considered expired or not yet valid.
  
  
  Solutions to SAML2021 Error
  
  
  Check Signing Certificate: Ensure that the signing certificate used by the IdP is correctly configured in the SAP system. You may need to update the certificate if it has changed.
  
  
  Validate Assertion Time: Check the validity period of the SAML assertion. Ensure that the assertion is being processed within its valid time frame.
  
  
  Verify Audience Configuration: Ensure that the audience specified in the SAML assertion matches the expected audience in the SAP system configuration.
  
  
  Inspect Assertion Structure: Use tools to inspect the SAML assertion for any structural issues. Ensure that it conforms to the SAML specification.
  
  
  Synchronize Clocks: Ensure that the system clocks of the IdP and SP are synchronized. This can often be done using NTP (Network Time Protocol).
  
  
  Review Logs: Check the SAP system logs for more detailed error messages that can provide additional context about the failure.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  SAML Configuration: Review the SAML configuration settings in the SAP system, including the IdP settings, assertion consumer service URLs, and certificate configurations.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation on SAML and SSO configurations for detailed guidance on setting up and troubleshooting SAML assertions.
  
  
  Testing Tools: Use SAML testing tools (like SAML-tracer or online SAML validators) to analyze the SAML assertions being sent and received.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide patches related to SAML authentication.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the SAML2021 error and implement the necessary solutions to resolve it.