Troubleshooting SNORT errors

For Network IPS appliances, the integrated SNORT system identifies errors one error at a time. Because of this process flow, you must troubleshoot and fix each error to successfully apply the SNORT policy.

Errors

SNORT errors occur when the integrated system detects configuration contents or rules that it identifies as invalid. In the Network IPS Local Management Interface and in the SiteProtector™ system, the appliance displays a message that the policy failed to apply if you submit settings with errors on the SNORT Configuration or the SNORT Rules tab. The error message includes information from SNORT to help fix the issue. For SNORT rule errors, the message lists the SID and message string. The system reports the policy failure as a significant event.
Tip: Use a syntax checker on SNORT rules to help decrease the number of invalid rules.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting the integrated SNORT system is an iterative process because it identifies one error at a time. When the system detects an error, it fails to apply the policy settings and reports the failure. You must troubleshoot the error before you can successfully apply the policy settings. After you fix the error, you must reapply the settings. If the system finds no other errors in the configuration contents or in the rules, then it reapplies the policy settings successfully. However, if the system finds other errors, it repeats this process for each one.
Note: To find the health status of the SNORT engine, go to Monitor Health and Statistics > Security > Dashboard.