HTTP 403 Forbidden vs 423 Locked
Both HTTP 403 (Forbidden) and 423 (Locked) belong to the 4xx Client Error category. 403 indicates that the server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission. Meanwhile, 423 means that the resource is locked and cannot be modified (WebDAV).
Description
The server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission.
When You See It
When trying to access a resource you're authenticated for but don't have permission to access.
How to Fix
Check your user role/permissions. Contact the admin to request access.
Description
The resource is locked and cannot be modified (WebDAV).
When You See It
When trying to edit a file that another user has locked in WebDAV.
How to Fix
Wait for the lock to be released, or request the lock owner to unlock it.
Key Differences
HTTP 403: The server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission.
HTTP 423: The resource is locked and cannot be modified (WebDAV).
You encounter 403 when when trying to access a resource you're authenticated for but don't have permission to access.
You encounter 423 when when trying to edit a file that another user has locked in WebDAV.
When to Use Which
For 403 (Forbidden): Check your user role/permissions. Contact the admin to request access. For 423 (Locked): Wait for the lock to be released, or request the lock owner to unlock it.