Azure Connection Reset: Resolving Fatal Unable to Access HTTPS Dev Azure Com XXX OpenSSL SSL Connect Error

The error message “fatal: unable to access ‘https://dev.azure.com/xxx’: OpenSSL SSL_connect: Connection was reset in connection to dev.azure.com:443” is a common issue encountered by developers using Git with Azure DevOps. This error typically indicates a problem with the SSL connection, which can be caused by network issues, incorrect configurations, or outdated software. It’s relevant because it disrupts the workflow, preventing developers from accessing repositories and pushing code, which can significantly impact productivity.

Understanding the Error

The error message “fatal: unable to access ‘https://dev.azure.com/xxx’: OpenSSL SSL_connect: Connection was reset in connection to dev.azure.com:443” indicates a problem with establishing a secure connection to the Azure DevOps server over HTTPS.

Technical Implications:

1. SSL/TLS Handshake Failure: The error occurs during the SSL/TLS handshake process, where the client (your Git client) and the server (Azure DevOps) attempt to establish a secure connection. The connection reset suggests that this handshake was interrupted.

2. Network Issues: This can be due to network problems such as unstable internet connections, firewall restrictions, or proxy server issues that interrupt the connection.

3. Server-Side Problems: Occasionally, the issue might be on the server side, where the Azure DevOps server might be experiencing high load or temporary outages.

4. Client-Side Configuration: Misconfigurations on the client side, such as incorrect SSL settings, outdated Git versions, or issues with the local SSL certificate store, can also cause this error.

5. Proxy Settings: If your network uses a proxy, incorrect proxy settings in Git can lead to this error. Ensuring that the proxy settings are correctly configured or unset might resolve the issue.

6. Credential Issues: Problems with stored credentials or authentication tokens can also cause connection resets. Re-authenticating or clearing and re-entering credentials might help.

Common Causes

Here are the common causes of the error:

1. Network Issues: Temporary network outages or unstable connections can cause the connection to reset.
2. Server-Side Problems: The server might be down or experiencing issues, leading to connection resets.
3. Firewall or Proxy Settings: Local firewall or proxy settings might block the connection to the server.
4. SSL/TLS Configuration: Incorrect SSL/TLS settings or outdated versions can cause SSL handshake failures.
5. Credential Issues: Problems with stored credentials or authentication tokens can lead to connection resets.
6. IPv6 Issues: Sometimes, disabling IPv6 can resolve the issue if the network stack has problems handling IPv6.

Troubleshooting Steps

Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the error:

1. Check Internet Connection:

   • Ensure your internet connection is stable.

2. Update Git:

   • Make sure you have the latest version of Git installed. Run:

     git --version
     

   • If outdated, download and install the latest version from the official Git website.

3. Check SSL/TLS Configuration:

   • Verify that your system’s SSL/TLS configuration is correct. Ensure that your system’s date and time are accurate.

4. Disable IPv6:

   • Sometimes, disabling IPv6 can resolve connectivity issues. On Windows, go to:
     • Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
     • Right-click your network connection, select Properties, and uncheck “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”.

5. Modify Hosts File:

   • Open the hosts file located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts (Windows) or /etc/hosts (Linux/Mac).
   • Add the following line:

     13.107.42.18 dev.azure.com
     

   • Save the file and restart your computer.

6. Clear Git Credentials:

   • Open Credential Manager (Windows) and remove any stored credentials for dev.azure.com.
   • Re-enter your credentials when prompted.

7. Set Environment Variables:

   • Set the following environment variables to get detailed logs:

     set GIT_TRACE=1
     set GCM_TRACE=1
     

   • Run your Git command again to see detailed logs.

8. Check Firewall/Proxy Settings:

   • Ensure that your firewall or proxy is not blocking the connection to dev.azure.com.

9. Reconfigure Git Remote URL:

   • Reconfigure your Git remote URL to ensure it’s correct:

     git remote set-url origin https://<your-organization>@dev.azure.com/<your-organization>/<your-project>/_git/<your-repo>
     

10. Restart Git Credential Manager:

    • Restart the Git Credential Manager:

      git credential-manager-core unconfigure
      git credential-manager-core configure
      

Following these steps should help resolve the connection issue with dev.azure.com. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to Azure DevOps support for further assistance.

Preventive Measures

Here are some preventive measures to avoid encountering the “fatal unable to access https://dev.azure.com/xxx openssl ssl connect connection was reset in connection to dev.azure.com:443” error:

1. Update Git and Git Credential Manager: Ensure you are using the latest versions.
2. Check Network Configuration: Disable IPv6 if it’s enabled.
3. Modify Hosts File: Add the Azure DevOps IP address to your hosts file.
4. Configure SSL Settings: Set Git to use OpenSSL and specify the CA certificate file.
5. Clear and Recreate Credentials: Remove existing credentials from the credential manager and re-enter them.

These steps should help mitigate the issue.

The ‘fatal: unable to access https://dev.azure.com/xxx’: OpenSSL SSL_connect: Connection was reset in connection to dev.azure.com:443′ error

is a common issue encountered by developers using Git with Azure DevOps, indicating a problem with the SSL connection due to network issues, incorrect configurations, or outdated software.

To troubleshoot and resolve this error:

• Check internet connectivity
• Update Git
• Verify SSL/TLS configuration
• Disable IPv6
• Modify hosts file
• Clear Git credentials
• Set environment variables
• Check firewall/proxy settings
• Reconfigure Git remote URL
• Restart Git Credential Manager

Preventive measures include:

• Updating Git and Git Credential Manager
• Checking network configuration
• Modifying hosts file
• Configuring SSL settings
• Clearing and recreating credentials