What does BSOD 291 (CRYPTO_SELF_TEST_FAILURE) mean?

 
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STATUS_PROCESS_NOT_IN_JOBNTSTATUSWindows
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CRYPTO_SELF_TEST_FAILURE

Kernel cryptographic self-test failure

CRYPTO_SELF_TEST_FAILURE is bug check code 0x00000123. The built-in table identifies it as CRYPTO_SELF_TEST_FAILURE; the useful diagnostic question is what Windows component raised the stop and which invariant failed.

This bug check indicates that a required cryptographic self-test did not pass. The failing path can be tied to algorithm implementation validation, early boot integrity, or a cryptographic provider that Windows depends on.

How to read the parameters

  • Use the dump to identify the module and algorithm path, not just the stop code.
  • The failure is different from a bad signature or policy decision; it means a self-test result was unacceptable.
  • Early boot failures can leave little user-mode evidence.

What to check in the dump

  • Check recent security updates, crypto provider changes, boot integrity changes, and kernel modules involved in cryptographic operations.
  • Compare with CRYPTO_LIBRARY_INTERNAL_ERROR when the issue is internal library state rather than a known-answer self-test failure.
  • Avoid bypassing integrity controls; collect full dump and system event logs.

References


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