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cPanel “421 Misdirected Request” Error

Pamir Editor
Pamir Editor
August 10, 2025

What Is the 421 Misdirected Request Error?

The “421 Misdirected Request” error occurs when a server receives a request for a virtual host that is not configured to respond to that request. This typically happens when a reverse proxy setup, like EA-Nginx, forwards requests to Apache, but Apache isn’t configured to handle them correctly.

Common Causes

  • Apache Update to 2.4.64: The recent update to Apache 2.4.64 introduced changes that can cause misdirection in requests, especially when used with reverse proxy setups.
  • Misconfigured Virtual Hosts: If Apache’s virtual host configurations are not properly set up to handle requests forwarded by the reverse proxy, it can lead to this error.
  • Incorrect Proxy Settings: Improper settings in the reverse proxy (e.g., EA-Nginx) can result in requests being sent to the wrong backend server or virtual host.

Solutions to Resolve the 421 Misdirected Request Error

1. Verify Apache Virtual Host Configurations

  • Ensure that each virtual host in Apache is correctly configured to handle requests for its respective domain.
  • Check the ServerName and ServerAlias directives to confirm they match the domain names being requested.
  • Review the DocumentRoot to ensure it points to the correct directory for each domain.

2. Review Reverse Proxy Settings

  • Examine the reverse proxy configuration (e.g., EA-Nginx) to ensure it is correctly forwarding requests to the appropriate backend servers.
  • Check for any misconfigurations that might cause requests to be directed to the wrong virtual host.

3. Update and Restart Services

  • After making configuration changes, update Apache and the reverse proxy to apply the new settings.
  • Restart both services to ensure they are running with the updated configurations.

4. Test the Configuration

  • Use tools like curl or browser developer tools to test requests and ensure they are being directed to the correct virtual hosts.
  • Monitor the server logs for any errors or warnings that might indicate misconfigurations.

Tips

  • Backup Configurations: Always back up configuration files before making changes to avoid potential issues.
  • Monitor Logs: Regularly monitor server logs to catch and address issues promptly.
  • Stay Updated: Keep Apache and reverse proxy configurations up to date to benefit from the latest features and security patches.
  • Contact Pamirwebhost.com: If you are still not resolved it. Please contact us for immediate help here.