PI44924: THE HIGH BIT IS NOT SET FOR THE LAST PARAMETER ADDRESS IF THAT PARAMETER IS "OMITTED"

Obtain the fix for this APAR.

APAR status

• Closed as program error.

Error description

• Cobol generates parameter lists in the same manner as the
  Assembler CALL macro when the 'VL' parameter (Varying Length
  parameter list) is used, which is to say it turns on the high
  bit (x'80000000') of the last parameter address.
  
  However, if for the last parameter on a call the keyword OMITTED
  is used, COBOL fails to set the high bit.
  
  If the callee expects a variable number of arguments and makes
  its determination of the number of arguments based on that high
  bit being set, it may attempt to process arguments beyond what
  is intended by the caller and likely receive an abend 0C4.
  

Local fix

• The following can be used in place of a trailing OMITTED
  parameter to ensure the high bit is turned on:
  
   linkage section.
   77 private-omitted usage pointer.
   ...
       set address of private-omitted to NULL
       ...
       call "routine" using ... private-omitted.
  

Problem summary

• ****************************************************************
  * USERS AFFECTED: Users of Enterprise COBOL V5.2 using a CALL  *
  *                 statement with the last USING parameter      *
  *                 omitted.                                     *
  *                                                              *
  ****************************************************************
  * PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Incorrect output or ABEND at runtime.   *
  *                                                              *
  ****************************************************************
  * RECOMMENDATION: Apply provided service.                      *
  *                                                              *
  ****************************************************************
  The compiler was not setting the high order bit for the last
  call parameter when that parameter is omitted.
  

Problem conclusion

• The compiler was modified to set the high order bit on the last
  call parameter when that parameter is omitted.
  

Temporary fix

Comments

APAR Information

• APAR is sysrouted FROM one or more of the following:

  PI44627

• APAR is sysrouted TO one or more of the following:

Modules/Macros

• IGYCCBE
  

Fix information

• Fixed component name

  ENT COBOL FOR Z

• Fixed component ID

  5655W3200

Applicable component levels

• R520 PSY UI29671

     UP15/08/04 P F508

Fix is available

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