Error connecting to SQL DB

Question

Hello,
To perform a table data extraction Proof Of Concept activity, we're trying to connect from an external data source to the SQL DB (SQL 2017) and then to fetch the table data.

External source is a windows 2016 server.
ODBC Driver 13 for SQL server installed on this server.
We've defined the SQL DB connection strings in the external source (server name, port, UID, table name)..

But getting the below mentioned error when trying to connect and fetch the data from SQL DB:

Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server -- [DBNETLIB][ConnectionOpen (SECCreateCredentials()).]SSL Security error. -- Unspecified error (-994)

Pls share how to overcome this error situation.
Thanks.

Answer 1

ODBC Driver 13 for SQL server installed on this server.
SSL Security error. -- Unspecified error (-994)

Driver version 13 is a bit old and don't support some new feature like security enhancements. Use the latest version 17 instead: Microsoft® ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server® - Windows, Linux, & macOS

Does the SQL Server require as SSL/TLS secured connection? Ask the DBA for details.

Answer 2

Hi @Bhaskar ,

The ODBC Driver 13 for SQL Server and Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server are two different drivers and have nothing to do with each other.

I would suggest to download, install, and use the latest Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server. It is available since 2018. Its latest version is 18.6

Download link: download-oledb-driver-for-sql-server

Another useful link: oledb-driver-for-sql-server
Here is an excerpt from it:

The previous Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server (SQLOLEDB) and SQL Server Native Client OLE DB provider (SQLNCLI) remains deprecated and it is not recommended to use either for new development work.

Additionally, as @Olaf Helper already pointed out, the error you are getting could be related to the TLS/Cipher suite incompatibility between two machines.
IIS Crypto is a good free utility to investigate and make needed modifications for that.

Answer 3

Hi @Bhaskar ,

Did you enable TLS 1.2 for SQL server 2016? You have to disable TLS 1.0 and 1.1 if you want to use only TLS 1.2 for client-server communication. Did your Client component is applicable to your environment. Please reading the blog KB3135244 - TLS 1.2 support for Microsoft SQL Server.

Suggest you downloading Microsoft OLE DB Driver 18.6 , it is the latest general availability (GA) version. Update .NET Framework in your environment, if the version is old.

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