GFI MailEssentials SpamTag cannot authenticate with the server when Forms authentication is used and user has no password.

Versions / Builds Affected

GFI MailEssentials 2014 and higher

Status

Resolved

Problem Summary

GFI MailEssentials SpamTag cannot authenticate with the GFI MailEssentials server when Forms authentication is selected and user has no password in Microsoft Windows Active Directory.

TT / JIRAID

2143

How to Identify

1. Try to connect to the GFI MailEssentials Configuration UI while Forms Mode is selected in the Switchboard with the user that has no password in Microsoft Windows Active Directory, that should succeed 2. Try to connect GFI MailEssentials SpamTag without credentials (Microsoft Windows authentication will be used), that should be successful as well 3. Try connecting using just the username, that should fail The log files should show following error: "warning","ClientAccessService","Warning: ValidateCredentials... Username or password is null!" 2014-09-12,15:46:49,605,1,"#000021D4","#00000003","error ","ClientAccessService","Error: ValidateCredentials... System.ServiceModel.FaultException: Wrong username or password! ; at MailEssentialsClientService.CustomUserNameValidator.Validate(String userName, String password)" 2014-09-12,15:47:14,053,1,"#000021D4","#00000003","info ","ClientAccessService","ValidateCredentials..."

Workaround / Fix Details

1. Either assign a password to the user (recommended due to security concerns) or 2. Use Microsoft Windows Authentication by removing the credentials from the Microsoft SpamTag settings

Required Actions

Provide above workaround and attach article to case