# Packet loss (fwconn\_key\_init\_links failed) for ESP packets when using User-Mode SecureXL

**Product**: IPSec VPN, SecureXL  
**Version**: R81.20  
**Last Modified**: 2024-11-13

## Symptoms

- ESP packets experience packet loss when traversing through the firewall.  
- Running `fw ctl zdebug + drop` displays:  
  `fw_log_drop_ex: Packet proto=50 x.x.x.x:0 -> x.x.x.x:0 dropped by fw_handle_first_packet Reason: fwconn_key_init_links (INBOUND) failed`.  
- User-Mode SecureXL is active, confirmed via `fwaccel stat`.

## Solution

This problem was fixed. The fix is included in:

- [Jumbo Hotfix Accumulator for R81.20](https://sc1.checkpoint.com/documents/Jumbo_HFA/R81.20/Default.htm) starting from Take 90  
- [Jumbo Hotfix Accumulator for R81.10](https://sc1.checkpoint.com/documents/Jumbo_HFA/R81.10/Default.htm) starting from Take 171

If you choose not to upgrade, Check Point can supply a **Hotfix**. [Contact Check Point Support](https://www.checkpoint.com/support-services/.contact-support/) to get a Hotfix for this issue.

A Support Engineer will make sure the Hotfix is compatible with your environment before providing the Hotfix.

For faster resolution and verification, please collect [CPinfo files](http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk92739) from the Security Management Server and Security Gateways involved in the case.

**Hotfix installation instructions:**

Refer to [sk168597 - How to install a Hotfix](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk168597).

#### NOTE

This solution has been verified for the specific scenario, described by the combination of Product, Version and Symptoms. It may not work in other scenarios.

## Article Properties

**Access Level**: General  
**Status**: Approved by TAC  
**Date Created**: 2024-10-30  
**Last Modified**: 2024-11-13