Skip to main content
Mostafa85
New Member
May 24, 2025
Question

HTTP Parsing Error Log in FortiWeb: How to Disable or Solve?

  • May 24, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 2341 views

Hello,

I’m encountering a persistent issue on my FortiWeb device. In the logs, I consistently see entries like:

 

Main Type=HTTP Parsing Error, Sub Type=HTTP Parsing Error Action=alert_Deny

 

To troubleshoot, I have disabled both “Malformed Request” and “Malformed URL” options under HTTP Protocol Constraints. However, these logs are still being generated, and the traffic is denied.

I have checked the configuration but couldn’t find any explicit setting to disable or further tune the handling of HTTP Parsing Errors.

My questions:

Is there a way to disable or adjust the detection for HTTP Parsing Errors?
What else could trigger this log even after disabling the relevant protocol constraints?
Are there any hidden or advanced settings I should be aware of?
Any suggestions or documentation references would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

5 replies

AEK
SuperUser
SuperUser
May 25, 2025

Hi Mostapha

Probably related to HTTP protocol constraints, HTTP headers or too many HTTP parameters.

But meanwhile, while investigating the issue, you may want to mitigate the false positive by turning it ti Alert instead of Alert_Deny.

You can do so from the alert log > double-click on the related log entry, click on the attack description (blue link) then click "Alert Only".

AEK
Mostafa85
Mostafa85Author
New Member
May 28, 2025

Hi, thanks for your reply.

I’ve done some more troubleshooting on this issue:

I searched for any configuration with the alert_Deny action but couldn’t find any rule or policy set to this action.
I even exported the entire FortiWeb configuration and searched for “Alert_Deny” – but there’s nothing in the config referencing this action!

I’m really confused about where FortiWeb is getting this action from and why it’s still being triggered, even after disabling the relevant protocol constraints.

Any ideas on where else this could be coming from, or how to fully disable these HTTP Parsing Error logs?

Thanks again for any help!

AEK
SuperUser
SuperUser
June 2, 2025

Hello Mostafa

If you don't find Alert_Deny in the config that is probably because it is a default value in this case.

Did you try to mitigate the false positive as I suggested above?

Can you share a screenshot of the detailed log (right pan)?

AEK
Mostafa85
Mostafa85Author
New Member
June 3, 2025

Thank you again for your reply.

Yes, I have checked and tried changing some configurations as you suggested, but the issue still persists.

I am attaching a screenshot of the detailed log (right pane) for more information.

Thanks for your help!Log-Details.jpg

filiaks1
Explorer III
June 30, 2025

Maybe see if double URL decode helps as well ?

 

Advanced settings

Thought Leadership Security Summit. Outpace New Threats with AI - enhanced defense. Tuesday, Septmeber 15, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM PT. The Golf Club at Newcastle, WA.
Virtual event | September 2026. SASE summit. The age of autonomous trust. Register here!