Error: Invalid SMP master certificate, private key can't be found

Products

• Client Management Suite
• IT Management Suite

Issue/Introduction

When working with Notification Servers or Site Servers, users may encounter an error indicating that the SMP master certificate is invalid or the private key cannot be found. This often occurs on Site Servers even when HTTPS or CEM is not actively in use.

Environment

ITMS 8.x

Cause

The following error appears in the Notification Server or Site Server logs:

Unable to get the client certificate associated with the specified request. 
Invalid SMP master certificate, private key can't be found. 
SMP authority system is corrupted and can't be auto-recovered.

 

Additionally, the Personal certificate folder on the Site Server may be missing the certificate issued by the SMP.

Resolution

Upgrading the SMP to the latest version appears to have resolved this issue.  Another option would be to Repair / reconfigure ITMS.