A Windows Server 2003-based computer cannot make an SSL connection or a TLS connection to the out-of-band interface on an Intel Active Management Technology (AMT)-enabled computer

A Windows Server 2003-based computer cannot make a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connection or a Transport Layer Security (TLS) connection to the out-of-band interface on an Intel Active Management Technology (AMT)-enabled computer.

This problem influences some enterprise-management solutions that use the Intel AMT technology. For example, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 cannot make an out-of-band management connection to an Intel AMT-enabled computer. Therefore, Configuration Manager 2007 cannot use the new feature to perform inventory, troubleshooting, and system security actions.

The Intel AMT technology is implemented in firmware on an AMT-enabled computer. Because of the restrictions of nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) space, the AMT code stores only a SHA-1 hash of the root certificate instead of the full root certificate. The AMT code requires the client to pass the full root certificate as part of the connection-establishing process. The AMT code computes the SHA-1 hash of the passed root certificate. Then, the AMT code verifies that the computed SHA-1 hash matches one of the stored hashes.

However, Security Support Provider Interface (SSPI) passes all the certificates in the certificate chain except the root certificate. SSPI does not pass the root certificate because SSPI assumes that the responding server already has the full root certificate stored.

This hotfix provides an option to let SSPI pass the full root certificate in the certificate chain.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

You must have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed on the computer before you apply this hotfix. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.

For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: