Docker Engine Docker: Error response from daemon: failed to create secret

Secret configuration issues or conflicts.

Understanding Docker Engine

Docker Engine is a containerization technology that allows developers to create, deploy, and manage containers. It provides a lightweight and efficient way to run applications in isolated environments, ensuring consistency across different stages of development and production. Docker Engine is widely used for its ability to streamline application deployment and improve resource utilization.

Identifying the Symptom

When working with Docker, you might encounter the error message: Docker: Error response from daemon: failed to create secret. This error typically arises when there is an issue with the secret configuration within Docker Swarm, a native clustering and orchestration tool for Docker containers.

Exploring the Issue

The error message indicates that Docker is unable to create a secret, which is a secure way to manage sensitive data like passwords, API keys, and certificates. This problem often occurs due to misconfigurations or conflicts in the secret settings. Docker secrets are crucial for maintaining security and ensuring that sensitive information is not exposed in container images or logs.

Common Causes

  • Secret name conflicts: A secret with the same name might already exist.
  • Incorrect secret data format: The data provided for the secret might not be in the expected format.
  • Insufficient permissions: The user might not have the necessary permissions to create a secret.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

To resolve the failed to create secret error, follow these steps:

1. Verify Secret Name Uniqueness

Ensure that the secret name you are trying to create is unique. You can list existing secrets using the following command:

docker secret ls

If a secret with the same name exists, consider using a different name or removing the existing secret if it's no longer needed:

docker secret rm <secret_name>

2. Check Secret Data Format

Ensure that the data you are providing for the secret is in the correct format. Docker expects the secret data to be provided as a file. You can create a secret using a file with the following command:

echo "my_secret_data" | docker secret create my_secret -

3. Verify Permissions

Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create secrets. You might need to run Docker commands with elevated privileges or as a user with the appropriate permissions.

Additional Resources

For more information on Docker secrets and best practices, refer to the official Docker documentation:

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the failed to create secret error and successfully manage secrets within your Docker environment.

Never debug

Docker Engine

manually again

Let Dr. Droid create custom investigation plans for your infrastructure.

Book Demo
Automate Debugging for
Docker Engine
See how Dr. Droid creates investigation plans for your infrastructure.

MORE ISSUES

Made with ❤️ in Bangalore & San Francisco 🏢

Doctor Droid