Dynamic update - "Empty file returned" error : r/paloaltonetworks
The firewall may fail to trust the update server's certificate, especially if a third-party certificate provider has expired or if "Verify Update Server Identity" is strictly enforced during a server-side transition. Dynamic update - "Empty file returned" error :
Before attempting complex fixes, force the firewall to synchronize its local update list with the server. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting 1
Significant drift between the firewall's system clock and the update server can cause SSL handshakes to fail, leading to empty or aborted responses. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting 1. Force-Refresh the Update List This issue is often caused by SSL certificate
In some regions, the default updates.paloaltonetworks.com might point to a Content Delivery Network (CDN) node that is temporarily serving empty data.
The error message typically occurs when a Palo Alto Networks firewall initiates a download for dynamic updates (like Antivirus or Applications and Threats) but receives an incomplete or empty response. This issue is often caused by SSL certificate verification failures, intermittent connectivity, or a desynchronization between the firewall’s local cache and the update server. Common Causes
The firewall's list of available software or content may be outdated, causing it to request files that are no longer active or reachable on the server.