Failed to apply the configuration to IDS process Error

Products

• VMware NSX
• VMware vDefend Firewall
• VMware vDefend Firewall with Advanced Threat Prevention

Issue/Introduction

Status of IDPS rule shows error, 'Error Code = 8000, Failed to apply the configuration to IDS process. Please check if IDPS engine is up.'

Full Error = NSX-UI > Security > IDS/IPS Malware Prevention > Distributed Rules

(Blank box in the above image will have IP/FQDN of ESXi-Host)

IDPS rules will not be allocated to the VM's located on the affected ESXi Transport Node.

Environment

NSX 4.x

Cause

This is most likely due to creating an IDPS Firewall Rule before activating IDS cluster in NSX-UI > Security > IDS/IPS Malware Prevention > Settings > IDS/IPS Activate Clusters

Resolution

Activate the cluster where the rules are applied = NSX-UI > Security > IDS/IPS Malware Prevention > Settings > IDS/IPS Activated Clusters

Check box the cluster and enable IDS/IPS toggle switch, click Yes to activating the cluster of choice.