How To Fix WSS040 - Missing credential. Specify SSL client PSE used for authentication.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSS - Web Services Security

• Message number: 040

• Message text: Missing credential. Specify SSL client PSE used for authentication.

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSS040 - Missing credential. Specify SSL client PSE used for authentication. ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WSS040 Missing credential. Specify SSL client PSE used for authentication.
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when an SAP system or component (such as SAP PI/PO, SAP Gateway, or Web Services runtime) tries to establish an SSL/TLS connection but cannot find the required SSL client PSE (Personal Security Environment) certificate for authentication. Essentially, the system expects a client certificate to authenticate itself to the server, but the certificate is missing or not specified.
  Common scenarios causing this error:
  
  The SSL client PSE has not been created or imported in the SAP system.
  The SSL client PSE is not assigned or configured in the relevant communication channel or service.
  The SSL client PSE is expired or invalid.
  The system configuration does not specify which PSE to use for the SSL client authentication.
  Missing or incorrect SSL configuration in the STRUST or SICF transaction.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Create or Import SSL Client PSE:
  
  Use transaction STRUST to create or import the SSL client PSE.
  Navigate to the relevant PSE (e.g., SSL client (Standard)) and check if a valid certificate exists.
  If missing, create a new PSE and generate a certificate request or import an existing client certificate.
  
  
  
  Assign the SSL Client PSE:
  
  In the communication channel or service configuration (e.g., in SAP PI/PO or SOAMANAGER), specify the SSL client PSE to be used for authentication.
  For example, in SOAMANAGER, under the communication channel or logical port, assign the SSL client PSE.
  
  
  
  Check SSL Configuration:
  
  Verify SSL settings in STRUST:
  
  Ensure the SSL client PSE is assigned to the correct SSL client (Standard) or custom PSE.
  Check that the certificate is valid and trusted.
  
  
  In SICF, check the service configuration to ensure SSL is enabled and the correct PSE is referenced.
  
  
  
  Update or Renew Certificates:
  
  If the certificate is expired, renew it and import the new certificate into the PSE.
  
  
  
  Restart Services if Needed:
  
  After changes, restart the relevant SAP services or application servers to apply the new SSL configuration.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  STRUST — Manage SSL certificates and PSEs.
  SICF — Maintain Internet Communication Framework services.
  SOAMANAGER — Configure Web Service communication and SSL settings.
  SMICM — Monitor ICM and SSL status.
  
  
  
  Notes and Documentation:
  
  SAP OSS Notes related to SSL configuration and client PSE issues.
  SAP Help Portal documentation on SSL configuration in SAP NetWeaver.
  
  
  
  General Tips:
  
  Always back up existing PSEs before making changes.
  Ensure the entire certificate chain (root and intermediate CAs) is imported and trusted.
  Check system logs (SM21, dev_w0) for additional SSL errors.
  Verify network connectivity and firewall settings if SSL handshake fails.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  The WSS040 Missing credential error indicates that the SAP system lacks the necessary SSL client certificate (PSE) for authentication. To resolve it, create or import the SSL client PSE in STRUST, assign it properly in the communication configuration, ensure certificates are valid, and verify SSL settings in the system.