SQL Server error 12442 with severity 17 is associated with database authentication errors. Specifically, it occurs when there is a problem with establishing authentication for Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS). 

This error usually indicates that something has gone wrong during the secure connection handshake.  Error Code Example: "Msg 12442, Level 17, State <state_number>, Line <line_number> The server failed to establish SSL/TLS secure channel for communication."  

This issue generally arises due to one or more of the following reasons: 

1. Misconfigured SSL/TLS settings on the SQL Server instance. 
2. Missing or expired certificates are required to establish a secure channel. 
3. Incompatibility between client and server regarding supported TLS protocols (e.g., mismatch in versions such as TLS 1.0 vs TLS 1.2). 
4. Registry misconfigurations related to encryption protocols. 
5. The Windows operating system lacks proper ciphers or updates necessary for consistent operation.  

Severity 17 points toward an error caused by insufficient resources or security settings impacting application functionality but not necessarily bringing down the entire SQL Server instance. 

Review Configuration Settings, Check whether SSL/TLS has been correctly enabled on both the client and server sides. Ensure compatible certificate binding exists at all endpoints using `netsh` command-line tools.