Certificate Services Support

For Apache (1.3, modSSL), Mandrake Linux 8.1, Redhat 7.1

Problem:
Error: "[error] mod_ssl: Init: Private key not found (OpenSSL library error follows)
[error] OpenSSL: error:0D084069:asn1 encoding routines:d2i_ASN1_SET:bad tag [error] OpenSSL:
error:0D09D082:asn1 encoding routines:d2i_RSAPrivateKey:parsing [error] OpenSSL: error:0D09B00D:asn1
encoding routines:d2i_PrivateKey:ASN1 lib"
Error: [error] mod_ssl: Init: Private key not found
Error: Private key not found

Cause:
Apache is unable to read the password protected private key

Here is the Solution:
Remove the password from the private key by following these command :

openssl rsa -in file1.key -out file2.key

file2.key will contain your unencrypted key. If you now point your server at this key file, it will not prompt you for a pass phrase.

This applies to: (Includes, but not limited to)
Apache
Apache: 1.3
Apache modSSL
Mandrake Linux 8.1
Redhat 7.1

Note:
If anyone gets the unencrypted key, they will be able to impersonate you (keys create your identifying digital signature). Please make sure the permissions on that file allow only 'root' or 'web server user' to read it. Preferably start your web server as root, but run as another server, and have the key readable only by root.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Entrust Certificate Services Support department for further assistance: 

Hours of Operation: 
Sunday 8:00 PM ET to Friday 8:00 PM ET 
North America (toll free): 1-866-267-9297 
Outside North America: 1-613-270-2680 (or see the list below) 
NOTE: Smart Phone users may use the 1-800 numbers shown in the table below.
Otherwise, it is very important that international callers dial the UITF format exactly as indicated. Do not dial an extra "1" before the "800" or your call will not be accepted as an UITF toll free call.