The error net::err_cert_common_name_invalid signifies a mismatch between the website's domain name and the information listed on its SSL certificate. Essentially, your browser is verifying the identity of the website you're trying to visit, and it's finding that the certificate doesn't match the domain you're requesting.
Understanding the Error
According to the reference provided, the NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID error occurs when the domain name of the site a user is trying to access doesn't match the common name or any of the Subject Alternative Names (SAN) listed on the site's SSL certificate.
Why Does This Happen?
Several reasons can cause this error:
- Incorrectly Issued Certificate: The certificate might have been issued for a different domain name than the one being accessed.
- Missing Subject Alternative Names (SANs): The certificate might not include the specific subdomain being accessed in its SAN list. Modern certificates must use SANs to cover multiple subdomains.
- Certificate for a Different Domain: You might be trying to access
www.example.com, but the certificate is only valid forexample.com. - Hostname Mismatch: Internal hostname resolution may be configured incorrectly, leading to a mismatch.
- Self-Signed Certificate Issues: While self-signed certificates can encrypt traffic, they are not trusted by browsers by default and often trigger this error.
- Proxy or Firewall Interference: A proxy server or firewall might be intercepting the connection and presenting a certificate that doesn't match the intended destination.
How to Fix the net::err_cert_common_name_invalid Error
While you, as a visitor, have limited ability to fix the underlying problem on the website's server, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Double-check the URL: Ensure you've typed the web address correctly. A simple typo can lead to a mismatch.
- Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Sometimes, outdated cached data can cause issues. Clear your browser's cache and cookies and try again.
- Try a Different Browser: If the issue is specific to one browser, try accessing the website using a different browser.
- Disable Browser Extensions: Certain browser extensions can interfere with SSL certificate validation. Try disabling them temporarily.
- Check Your System Date and Time: An incorrect system date and time can cause certificate validation errors. Ensure your system clock is accurate.
- Contact the Website Owner: If the problem persists, inform the website owner about the error. They are the ones who need to resolve the underlying certificate issue.
- Proceed with Caution (Advanced): In some browsers, you can bypass the error and proceed to the website. However, this is strongly discouraged because it bypasses security measures and could expose you to risks. Only do this if you are absolutely sure you trust the site and understand the potential consequences.
Example Scenario
Let's say you're trying to visit secure.example.com. However, the website's SSL certificate was issued only for example.com. In this case, your browser will display the net::err_cert_common_name_invalid error because the subdomain secure.example.com isn't included in the certificate. The website owner would need to reissue the certificate to include secure.example.com either specifically or using a wildcard such as *.example.com.
Table Summarizing the Error
| Error Code | Meaning | Possible Causes | User Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID |
The domain name in the URL doesn't match the name or Subject Alternative Names (SANs) on the website's SSL certificate. | Incorrectly issued certificate, missing SANs, certificate for the wrong domain, hostname mismatch, self-signed certificate issues, proxy/firewall interference. | Check URL, clear cache/cookies, try another browser, disable extensions, check date/time, contact website owner, proceed with caution (advanced). |
