How to Resolve 403 – Forbidden: Access is Denied. It Works After I Clear Cookies of the Browser

Error Overview

The error message “403 – Forbidden: Access is denied” indicates that the server understands the request but refuses to authorize it. This can be a frustrating issue, especially when it appears that clearing your browser cookies resolves the problem temporarily. Understanding the underlying causes of this error and the appropriate solutions can help prevent it from recurring.

Common Causes

Several factors can contribute to the “403 – Forbidden” error. Identifying these common causes is essential for effective troubleshooting:

1. Incorrect File Permissions: The server may restrict access to files or directories due to incorrect permission settings.
2. IP Address Blocking: The server may block requests from specific IP addresses, preventing access.
3. Web Application Firewall (WAF) Restrictions: Security features such as ModSecurity may block legitimate requests if they appear suspicious.
4. Corrupted Cookies: Outdated or corrupted cookies can lead to access issues, as they may contain invalid session data.
5. User Authentication Issues: Problems with user credentials or session expiration can cause access denials.

Solution Methods

To effectively resolve the “403 – Forbidden: Access is denied” error, consider the following methods:

Method 1: Adjust File Permissions

To ensure that your files and directories are accessible, follow these steps:

1. Connect to your server via FTP or SSH.
2. Locate the directory or file that is causing the issue.
3. Check and modify the permissions:
4. Directories should typically have permissions set to 755.
5. Files should generally be set to 644.
6. Use the following command to change permissions via SSH:
   bash
chmod 755 /path/to/directory
chmod 644 /path/to/file

Method 2: Disable Web Application Firewall

If the error persists, the Web Application Firewall (WAF) may be blocking legitimate requests. To disable ModSecurity in Plesk:

1. Log in to your Plesk panel.
2. Navigate to “Websites & Domains.”
3. Select the domain associated with the error.
4. Click on “Apache & Nginx Settings.”
5. Scroll to the “Additional Apache directives” section.
6. Add the following directive to disable ModSecurity:
   apache
SecEngine Off
7. Save the changes and restart the web server.

Method 3: Clear Browser Cookies

If you’ve identified that clearing your cookies resolves the issue temporarily, follow these steps:

1. Open your browser settings.
2. Locate the privacy or security section.
3. Find the option to clear browsing data or cookies.
4. Select the cookies option and confirm the deletion.
5. Refresh the website to check if the issue persists.

Method 4: Check for IP Blocking

If you suspect that your IP address may be blocked:

1. Contact your web hosting provider.
2. Request them to check if your IP address is on the blocklist.
3. If necessary, ask them to whitelist your IP address.

Method 5: Review Authentication Settings

If the site requires authentication:

1. Ensure that you are using the correct username and password.
2. If you are unsure, try resetting your password.
3. After making changes, attempt to access the site again.

Prevention Tips

To prevent encountering the “403 – Forbidden: Access is denied” error in the future, consider the following tips:

• Regularly review and update file permissions.
• Monitor your server’s security settings and firewall rules.
• Keep your web applications and server software updated.
• Clear browser cookies periodically to avoid outdated session data.
• Implement a logging system to track access issues and analyze patterns.

Summary

The error message “How to resolve 403 – Forbidden: Access is denied. It works after I clear cookies of the browser” can stem from various causes, including incorrect permissions, IP blocking, WAF settings, corrupted cookies, and user authentication issues. This article provided several methods to troubleshoot and resolve the issue, including adjusting file permissions, disabling WAF, clearing cookies, checking for IP blocking, and reviewing authentication settings. By following these recommendations, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering this error in the future.