The error appears when PostgreSQL rejects a connection attempt because the supplied user, password, or authentication method is invalid or forbidden by pg_hba.conf.
invalid_authorization_specification (SQLSTATE 28000) means PostgreSQL blocked your connection because the username, password, or pg_hba.conf rule is wrong. Verify the role exists, reset the password, and update pg_hba.conf to allow the host method to resolve the issue.
PostgreSQL invalid_authorization_specification Error
PostgreSQL raises SQLSTATE 28000 with the condition name invalid_authorization_specification when it cannot authenticate the incoming client.
The server checks the provided user, password, database name, and pg_hba.conf rules before opening a session. Any mismatch triggers the fatal error and terminates the connection.
A missing role, wrong password, or misconfigured pg_hba.conf line normally triggers the error.
Network identity issues such as an unexpected SSL requirement can also block authentication.
The error occurs before SQL runs, so troubleshooting focuses on connection parameters and server policy, not query syntax.
Confirm the role exists with \du in psql, or SELECT rolname FROM pg_roles;. Create the user if absent.
Reset the password using ALTER ROLE username WITH PASSWORD 'new_secret'; and update application credentials.
Open pg_hba.conf and ensure a matching line allows the user’s host, database, and auth method.
Reload PostgreSQL with SELECT pg_reload_conf();.
Docker containers often fail because they default to host 172.x yet pg_hba.conf only trusts 127.0.0.1. Add a subnet line or switch to md5/SCRAM.
Cloud services may enforce SSL.
Add sslmode=require to the connection string or edit pg_hba.conf to use hostssl.
Store secrets in environment variables or a secrets manager so password changes propagate quickly.
Automate pg_hba.conf with configuration management to keep host rules consistent across environments.
Galaxy’s connection manager surfaces pg_hba.conf mismatches and guides users to the right fix before a query runs, reducing production outages.
28P01 invalid_password arises when the user exists but the password alone is wrong; reset the password or switch auth method.
42501 insufficient_privilege appears after connection if the role lacks rights; grant the needed privileges.
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No. It usually indicates a configuration issue on your side, not malicious activity.
Not safely. Always add proper rules and reload the config instead of disabling authentication.
Galaxy’s connection setup wizard tests credentials and highlights pg_hba.conf mismatches, letting you correct them before saving.
Active connections stay open, but new logins must use the new password immediately.
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