Unable to complete the SMTP configuration in Aria Operations for Logs

Products

• VCF Operations/Automation (formerly VMware Aria Suite)

Issue/Introduction

• The SSL(SMTPS) configuration in Aria Operations for Logs cannot be completed because the "Accept" button reappears after clicking "Send Test Email."
• SMTP server thumbprint is getting added to the "Management >> Certificate" section within Aria Operations for Logs.
• The certificate chain verification for the SMTP server failed with the "Verification error: unable to verify the first certificate"
  openssl s_client -starttls smtp -connect SMTP-FDQN/IP:<Port> -servername SMTP-FDQN/IP -showcerts

Environment

Aria Operations for Logs 8.x

Cause

The issue stems from an incorrect encryption type. Aria Operations for Logs attempts to use implicit SSL/TLS on port 587, but the SMTP server is configured only to support STARTTLS. This mismatch causes a TLS handshake failure and SMTP protocol errors.

Resolution

To resolve this issue follow the below steps:

1. Access Aria Operations for Logs UI.
2. Navigate to "Configuration" >> "SMTP"
3. Enter the SMTP server details.
4. Make sure to enable "STARTTLS Encryption" protocol.
5. Type a destination email and click Send Test Email to verify the connection.
6. Click Save.

 

Additional Information

Configure the SMTP Server for VMware Aria Operations for Logs