1. Overview
Is OpenSSL Decrypt Not Working? Experiencing issues with the decryption process of your private key?
OpenSSL is a widely used open-source toolkit for implementing the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. It also includes a robust library of cryptographic functions.
Refer to this article to know the command to decrypt RSA or EC private key using OpenSSL.
2. Troubleshoot OpenSSL decrypt not working
2.1. OpenSSL Decrypt not working syntax
Ensure that you are using the correct syntax and then the file paths mentioned are correct. It could be a common mistake as in a typo in the filenames or paths.
The basic syntax for decrypting a private key is:
openssl rsa -in encrypted_key.pem -out decrypted_key.pem-in encrypted_key.pem: Input file containing the encrypted private key.-out decrypted_key.pem: Output file for the decrypted private key.
2.2. OpenSSL Decrypt not working due to passphrase
If the command is running but not executing, it must be waiting for you to enter the passphrase. Make sure you provide the passphrase correctly when prompted or seems stuck.
Also, confirm that the passphrase or key used for decryption is correct. Otherwise, an incorrect password will prevent successful decryption.
2.3. Decrypt key File Permissions
Ensure that you have the correct permissions to read the encrypted key file and also write to the specified output file. You can check the permissions with:
ls -l encrypted_key.pem
ls -l decrypted_key.pemYou might need to adjust permissions using chmod or chown if needed.
2.4. Verify Decrypt File Integrity
Ensure that the encrypted key file is intact and not corrupted. Also, try opening it with a text editor to check if it appears as a valid PEM file:
cat encrypted_key.pemThe file should start with -----BEGIN ENCRYPTED PRIVATE KEY----- and end with -----END ENCRYPTED PRIVATE KEY-----.
2.5. Check OpenSSL Version
Verify that you are using a compatible version of OpenSSL. Otherwise, some features or commands might behave differently depending on the version:
openssl version2.6. Use Verbose Mode
For more information on what’s happening, therefore you can use verbose or debugging options. However, not all commands support this flag directly. Instead, some commands provide more detailed output through additional options or sub-commands.
If available, try redirecting the output and errors to a log file to see if there are any issues:
openssl rsa -in encrypted_key.pem -out decrypted_key.pem -v > error.logWhen working with EC keys or parameters, you can get detailed output using:
openssl ec -in ec_private.pem -text -noout
This shows detailed information about the EC private key.
2.7. Try Alternative OpenSSL decrypt commands
If openssl rsa is not working, then you can try decrypting the key using the openssl pkcs8 command if the key is in PKCS#8 format or using the ec command if the key is in ECC format:
openssl pkcs8 -in encrypted_key.pem -out decrypted_key.pem -nocrypt
openssl ec -in encrypted_key.pem -out decrypted_key.pem
2.8. Check System Resources
Ensure your system has enough resources (CPU, memory) to perform the decryption. If the system is under heavy load, then the command might appear to be stuck.
2.9. Test with a Different key
If possible, in the meantime test the command with a different encrypted private key to determine if the issue is specific to the file you are working with.
2.10. Upgrade or Reinstall OpenSSL
If none of the above solutions works, then consider upgrading or reinstalling OpenSSL. There might be an issue with the OpenSSL installation itself.
3. Conclusion
If you encounter issues with the OpenSSL decrypt command, ensure your system has sufficient resources (CPU, memory) and is not under heavy load. Test the command using a different encrypted private key to determine if the problem is specific to the file. If none of these solutions work, consider upgrading or reinstalling OpenSSL as there may be an issue with the installation itself.
Please refer to our GitHub repository for code samples.