Fixing 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate' SSL Problem

Encountering the 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate' error can be frustrating, especially when dealing with secure connections in Python, Node.js, or other environments. This SSL-related issue typically arises due to missing or misconfigured certificates. Learn how to fix the SSL issue. What Causes the 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate' Error? The error occurs when the system or application fails to verify the SSL certificate of a website or API due to: Missing Root Certificates – The required certificate chain is not installed. Incorrect Certificate Paths – The system cannot locate the CA bundle. Firewall or Proxy Issues – Security software blocks SSL verification. Outdated SSL Configuration – Older systems may lack updated certificate authorities. Explore best practices in SSL/TLS security. How to Fix 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate' 1. Update SSL Certificates (Python) If you're using Python and requests library, update the CA bundle: pip install --upgrade certifi Ensure that Python is pointing to the correct CA certificates: import ssl import certifi ssl_context = ssl.create_default_context(cafile=certifi.where()) 2. Fix SSL Issues in Node.js If the issue appears in a Node.js application, set the correct CA bundle: export NODE_EXTRA_CA_CERTS="/path/to/certificate.pem" Or disable SSL verification temporarily (not recommended for production): process.env.NODE_TLS_REJECT_UNAUTHORIZED = "0"; 3. Configure SSL in cURL and Git For Git: git config --global http.sslCAinfo /path/to/certificate.pem For cURL: curl --cacert /path/to/certificate.pem https://example.com Learn about secure API communication. Best Practices to Prevent SSL Issues ✅ Keep CA Certificates Updated – Regularly update the certificate store. ✅ Verify Certificate Paths – Ensure your application points to the correct CA bundle. ✅ Use Secure SSL/TLS Protocols – Avoid deprecated SSL versions. ✅ Check Firewall & Proxy Configurations – Ensure they don’t block secure connections. ✅ Avoid Disabling SSL Verification – Only use as a last resort in testing environments. Read more about SSL security and best practices. Conclusion The 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate' error can be resolved by ensuring that SSL certificates are correctly installed, updated, and configured. Following best practices helps maintain secure connections and prevent future SSL issues. Learn how to troubleshoot SSL problems.

Mar 20, 2025 - 10:17

Fixing 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate' SSL Problem

Encountering the 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate' error can be frustrating, especially when dealing with secure connections in Python, Node.js, or other environments. This SSL-related issue typically arises due to missing or misconfigured certificates. Learn how to fix the SSL issue.

What Causes the 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate' Error?

The error occurs when the system or application fails to verify the SSL certificate of a website or API due to:

Missing Root Certificates – The required certificate chain is not installed.
Incorrect Certificate Paths – The system cannot locate the CA bundle.
Firewall or Proxy Issues – Security software blocks SSL verification.
Outdated SSL Configuration – Older systems may lack updated certificate authorities.

Explore best practices in SSL/TLS security.

How to Fix 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate'

1. Update SSL Certificates (Python)

If you're using Python and requests library, update the CA bundle:

pip install --upgrade certifi

Ensure that Python is pointing to the correct CA certificates:

import ssl

import certifi

ssl_context = ssl.create_default_context(cafile=certifi.where())

2. Fix SSL Issues in Node.js

If the issue appears in a Node.js application, set the correct CA bundle:

export NODE_EXTRA_CA_CERTS="/path/to/certificate.pem"

Or disable SSL verification temporarily (not recommended for production):

process.env.NODE_TLS_REJECT_UNAUTHORIZED = "0";

3. Configure SSL in cURL and Git

For Git:

git config --global http.sslCAinfo /path/to/certificate.pem

For cURL:

curl --cacert /path/to/certificate.pem https://example.com

Learn about secure API communication.

Best Practices to Prevent SSL Issues

✅ Keep CA Certificates Updated – Regularly update the certificate store. ✅ Verify Certificate Paths – Ensure your application points to the correct CA bundle. ✅ Use Secure SSL/TLS Protocols – Avoid deprecated SSL versions. ✅ Check Firewall & Proxy Configurations – Ensure they don’t block secure connections. ✅ Avoid Disabling SSL Verification – Only use as a last resort in testing environments.

Conclusion

The 'Unable to Get Local Issuer Certificate' error can be resolved by ensuring that SSL certificates are correctly installed, updated, and configured. Following best practices helps maintain secure connections and prevent future SSL issues. Learn how to troubleshoot SSL problems.