The error arises because OpenVPN is trying to use a version of glibc that is not available on your system. To fix this issue and make OpenVPN work, follow these steps:
- Check the Current glibc Version
Run the following command to verify the installed version of glibc:
ldd --version
If the version is older than 2.38, proceed to upgrade or manually install a newer version.
- Temporarily Use a Compatible glibc
If you already installed glibc 2.38 or higher in a custom location (like /opt/glibc-2.38), ensure OpenVPN uses it:
- Export the path to the new glibc library:
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/opt/glibc-2.38/lib:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH
- Start OpenVPN again:
openvpn --config your-config-file.ovpn
- Permanently Upgrade glibc
If OpenVPN requires glibc 2.38 system-wide:
- Update your system package manager:
sudo apt update # For Ubuntu/Debian
sudo yum update # For CentOS/RHEL
- Install the latest version of glibc:
sudo apt install libc6 # For Ubuntu/Debian
sudo yum install glibc # For CentOS/RHEL
If your package manager doesn't provide glibc 2.38, manually build and install glibc as explained in the previous response.
- Verify OpenVPN
After ensuring glibc is updated:
- Check OpenVPN for dependencies:
ldd $(which openvpn)
Confirm it points to the correct version of glibc.
- Test OpenVPN:
sudo openvpn --config your-config-file.ovpn
Caution
Upgrading glibc system-wide can affect other applications. Ensure compatibility before proceeding.
If unsure, use the temporary method to isolate the new glibc version for OpenVPN only.