Troubleshooting: Authentication API Returns a 404 for Usernames Containing a + Symbol

Version Affected: All
 
 

Overview

When the Authentication API receives a request whose base URL includes a username containing a + character, IIS returns a 404 error. For example:
/api/v1/users/john+doe/throttle
/api/v1/users/john+doe/otpvalidatethrottle
/api/v1/users/john+doe/factors

Cause

When a + character is present in a base URL, IIS treats it as a double URL-encoded character and blocks it by default.

Resolution:

To allow the + character in the base URL:

1. Open IIS Manager and go to Sites > Default Web Site, then expand it to show all realms.
2. Select the realm (for example, SecureAuthXX) and open Request Filtering.
3. Click Edit Feature Settings....
4. Check Allow double escaping and click OK.

SecureAuth Knowledge Base Articles provide information based on specific use cases and may not apply to all appliances or configurations. Be advised that these instructions could cause harm to the environment if not followed correctly or if they do not apply to the current use case.

Customers are responsible for their own due diligence prior to utilizing this information and agree that SecureAuth is not liable for any issues caused by misconfiguration directly or indirectly related to SecureAuth products.