AWS VPN client can connect but error pops up every connection attempt

The issue you're experiencing suggests that there might be a mismatch between your authentication settings and the Client VPN endpoint configuration. While you're able to connect, the error message indicates a potential problem with your access permissions or identity configuration.

Here are a few steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Verify your IAM Identity Center (formerly AWS SSO) configuration: Ensure that your user account is properly set up in IAM Identity Center and that you have the correct permissions assigned to access the VPN application.

2. Check the Client VPN endpoint authentication settings: Confirm with your AWS administrator that the Client VPN endpoint is correctly configured for the authentication method you're using (e.g., Active Directory, mutual authentication, or Single Sign-On).

3. Review the client configuration file: Make sure the configuration file you're using with the AWS VPN Client contains the correct client key and certificate information.

4. Validate the server certificate: Ensure that the server certificate used for the Client VPN endpoint is valid and not expired. Your administrator can check this in the AWS Certificate Manager console.

5. Verify firewall settings: Check that your local firewall and the Client VPN endpoint's firewall rules are not blocking the necessary traffic on ports 443 or 1194 for TCP or UDP.

6. Examine the Client Certificate Revocation List (CRL): If you're using mutual authentication, ensure that the CRL is still valid and not expired.

Since you're able to eventually connect after viewing the applications, it seems that your access is correct, but there might be an issue with the initial authentication process. Your AWS administrator should review the Client VPN endpoint configuration, particularly focusing on the authentication settings and ensuring they align with your IAM Identity Center setup.

If the issue persists after these checks, it would be advisable to consult with AWS support for more in-depth troubleshooting specific to your account and configuration.
Sources
Troubleshooting common AWS Client VPN problems - AWS Client VPN
Client authentication in AWS Client VPN - AWS Client VPN
Troubleshooting AWS Client VPN: Client software returns a TLS error when trying to connect to Client VPN - AWS Client VPN

To resolve the "No access" error when signing in to the application through IAM Identity Center, please follow these steps:

1. Verify application access: Contact your IAM Identity Center administrator to confirm that you have been assigned access to the specific application. [1] The administrator should check the application's assigned users list in the IAM Identity Center console.

2. Check primary email address: Ensure that your primary email address is correctly configured in IAM Identity Center. [1] The administrator should verify that your user profile has the correct email address assigned.

3. Review attribute mappings: Ask the administrator to check the attribute mappings for the application in IAM Identity Center. [1] Specifically, ensure that the email attribute is correctly mapped:

   • User attribute in the application: email
   • Maps to this string value or user attribute in IAM Identity Center: ${user:email}
   • Format: Basic

4. Verify SAML configuration: If the application uses SAML authentication, the administrator should review the SAML configuration in both IAM Identity Center and the application to ensure they are correctly set up. [1]

5. Check for synchronization issues: If your identity is sourced from an external provider (e.g., Active Directory), ensure that your account is properly synchronized into IAM Identity Center. [2]

6. Attempt to sign in again: After the administrator has made any necessary corrections, try signing in to the application again.

If the issue persists after these steps, the administrator may need to review the AWS CloudTrail logs for more detailed information about the sign-in failure. [2]

Reference:

[1] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/introduction.html [2] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/singlesignon/latest/userguide/troubleshooting.html