How to Remove SSL Certificate Check/Error with Puppeteer in Headless Mode

Are you encountering the frustrating “net::ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH” error while using Puppeteer in headless mode? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to remove the SSL certificate check/error, so you can continue with your Puppeteer automation seamlessly.

Why SSL Certificate Errors Occur

SSL certificate errors occur when there is a mismatch between the server’s SSL certificate and the client’s expectations. This can happen due to various reasons, such as an outdated SSL version or an unsupported cipher suite.

Update to the Latest Puppeteer Version

To resolve the SSL certificate error, ensure that you are using the latest version of Puppeteer. This ensures that you have the most up-to-date security features and bug fixes. Upgrading to version 1.16.0 or the latest version 2.0 is recommended.

Launch Puppeteer with Necessary Options

Launch Puppeteer with the required options to ignore SSL errors and accept insecure certificates. Here’s an example code snippet:

code





















const puppeteer = require('puppeteer');
(async () => {
    const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
        ignoreHTTPSErrors: true,
        acceptInsecureCerts: true,
        args: ['--proxy-bypass-list=*', '--disable-gpu', '--disable-dev-shm-usage', '--disable-setuid-sandbox', '--no-first-run', '--no-sandbox', '--no-zygote', '--single-process', '--ignore-certificate-errors', '--ignore-certificate-errors-spki-list', '--enable-features=NetworkService'] 











    });
    const page = await browser.newPage();
    try {
        await page.goto('https://www.example.com/', {waitUntil: 'networkidle2', timeout: 59000});
        const cookies = await page._client.send('Network.getAllCookies');
        console.log(JSON.stringify(cookies, null, 4));
    } catch (e) {
        console.log(e);
    }
    await browser.close();
})();

Test and Verify

Run the updated Puppeteer code and navigate to the desired URL. Puppeteer will now bypass the SSL certificate check and successfully load the page without any errors. Verify that the SSL certificate error is resolved and continue with your automation tasks.

Additional Tips for Successful SSL Certificate Bypass in Puppeteer

Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth SSL certificate bypass experience with Puppeteer:

1. Handling Timeout Issues: In some cases, the SSL certificate bypass process may take longer, leading to timeout errors. To avoid this, you can increase the timeout value in the page.goto() function. Experiment with different values to find the optimal timeout duration for your scenario.
2. Consider Proxy Configuration: If you’re using a proxy server, make sure to configure Puppeteer accordingly. Update the args array in the puppeteer.launch() function with the necessary proxy-related options to ensure a seamless connection.
3. Monitor Console Logs: Keep an eye on the console logs while running your Puppeteer code. This can provide valuable insights into any errors or warnings related to SSL certificates. Check for any relevant error messages and troubleshoot accordingly.
4. Update SSL/TLS Libraries: Ensure that your operating system and browser have the latest SSL/TLS libraries installed. Outdated libraries can cause compatibility issues and SSL certificate errors. Keeping them up to date minimizes the chances of encountering such errors.
5. Handle Mixed Content: When bypassing SSL certificate errors, you may come across mixed content warnings. This occurs when a secure (HTTPS) page contains insecure (HTTP) resources. To resolve this, update the URLs of the insecure resources to use HTTPS or find alternative secure sources.
6. Regularly Check for Updates: As technology evolves, SSL standards and security practices also change. Stay updated with the latest Puppeteer releases and security recommendations to ensure optimal performance and security in your automation projects.

Conclusion

Removing SSL certificate checks/errors with Puppeteer in headless mode is possible by following the steps mentioned in this article and considering the additional tips provided. By understanding the underlying causes of SSL certificate errors and leveraging Puppeteer’s capabilities, you can overcome these challenges and achieve successful automation.

Remember, staying informed about the latest updates and security best practices is crucial in maintaining a smooth and secure automation environment.