# ElasticsearchSecurityException: failed to parse role-mapping [my_mapping] - unknown field [invalid_field]

- **ID:** `elasticsearch/role-mapping-parse-error`
- **Domain:** elasticsearch
- **Category:** config_error
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 88%

## Root Cause

A role mapping definition contains an unsupported field name, causing parsing to fail.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| elasticsearch 7.16.0 | active | — | — |
| elasticsearch 8.9.0 | active | — | — |
| elasticsearch 8.14.0 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Remove the unknown field from the role mapping definition. For example, if the mapping had 'invalid_field', delete it: DELETE _security/role_mapping/my_mapping then PUT _security/role_mapping/my_mapping with valid fields like 'roles', 'rules', 'enabled'.** (90% success)
   ```
   Remove the unknown field from the role mapping definition. For example, if the mapping had 'invalid_field', delete it: DELETE _security/role_mapping/my_mapping then PUT _security/role_mapping/my_mapping with valid fields like 'roles', 'rules', 'enabled'.
   ```
2. **Check the official documentation for supported fields and correct the mapping accordingly.** (95% success)
   ```
   Check the official documentation for supported fields and correct the mapping accordingly.
   ```
3. **Use the Get Role Mapping API to inspect the current mapping and compare with the expected schema: GET _security/role_mapping/my_mapping** (85% success)
   ```
   Use the Get Role Mapping API to inspect the current mapping and compare with the expected schema: GET _security/role_mapping/my_mapping
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — May reintroduce the same invalid field if the user is unaware of the correct schema. (50% fail)
- **** — Null values for unknown fields still trigger parse errors because the field itself is not recognized. (80% fail)
- **** — The field is invalid regardless of version; upgrading does not change the schema. (70% fail)