499952 - Non-password protected PFX file will not import into Your Certificates

Status: RESOLVED INCOMPLETE

(Firefox :: General, defect)

Description

[Tim]

User-Agent:       Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9.0.11) Gecko/2009060215 Firefox/3.0.11
Build Identifier: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9.0.11) Gecko/2009060215 Firefox/3.0.11

Had a Digital Certificate in Internet Explorer 6.0.  Exported it to a PFX file which would have my Public and Private Key (RSA 1024 Bits).  This PFX file will import fine into IE on other workstations.  However, it will not import into Firefox 3.0.11.  Receive error dialog box:

Alert
The PKCS #12 operation failed for unknown reasons.
OK

Was getting this error right after the dialog box that asks for the password for the PFX file.  Thought this might be related so went back to IE and exported the same way but this time put a password on the file.  Tried the import again and this time it was successful.

Reproducible: Always

Steps to Reproduce:
1. Export Personal Digital Certificate from IE to a PFX file.
1a.   Open IE
1b.   Tools » Internet Options » Content » Certificates » Personal
1c.   Highlight the Digital Certificate and click Export
1d.   On the Welcome screen click Next
1e.   Select "Yes, export the private key" » Next
1f.   Check "Include all certificates in the certification path if possible » Next
1g.   On the password screen don't enter anything and click Next
1h.   Choose a location and name for your exported file » Next
1i.   Click Finish
2. Open Firefox and try and import the PFX file.
2a.   Tools » Options » Advanced » Encryption » View Certificates
2b.   Click Your Certificates tab
2c.   Click Import
2d.   Browse for the PFX file and click Open
2e.   On the Password Entry Dialog box click OK
3.You will see the error dialog box:

      Alert
   The PKCS #12 operation failed for unknown reasons.
      OK
Actual Results:  
Received error:

      Alert
   The PKCS #12 operation failed for unknown reasons.
      OK

Expected Results:  
Should have received success dialog box:

      Alert
   Successfully restored your security certificate(s) and private key(s).
      OK

It appears as if the digital certificate import process is expecting all PFX files to be password protected and if they are not then the import will fail.

Comment 1

[Tyler Downer [He/Him]]

Reporter, please retest with Firefox 3.6.12 or later in a fresh profile (http://support.mozilla.com/kb/Managing+profiles). Also update your plugins (flash, adobe reader, java, quicktime, silverlight, etc/) Go to the developer's website and download the latest version from there.

Comment 2

[Tyler Downer [He/Him]]

No reply, INCOMPLETE. Please retest with Firefox 3.6.12 or later and a new profile (http://support.mozilla.com/kb/Managing+profiles). If you continue to see this issue with the newest firefox and a new profile, then please comment on this bug.