This article discusses scenarios in which an invoice synchronization fails, yet the sync logs do not provide any explanation for the failure.
Root Cause
In 2023, Xero introduced a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to monitor data flowing through the Xero API. If the firewall detects any suspicious terms related to hacking in the content, it will cut off the connection, resulting in failed invoice syncing. Regrettably, this disconnect does not offer any feedback, leading to an internal error in the synchronization process without triggering an alert email.
What types of phrases trigger the fault?
Certain words and technical commands have the potential to trigger the firewall, resulting in the termination of the connection. For instance, including terms like c:\windows\system32 in your description could prompt the Xero WAF to drop the connection.
What is the resolution?
As Xero is unable to provide a comprehensive list of keywords that may trigger the firewall, we have proactively created our own internal dictionary to identify these problematic terms.
If you encounter any syncing issues with your invoices, please reach out to our team for assistance. By adding any triggering words to our internal dictionary, we can effectively resolve the syncing problem for you.