Problems working with a secured server using SSL connections

How to work around the SSLSocketFactory and SSLHandshakeException error messages when you are trying to communicate to a secured server by using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connection within the workbench.

Important: Applicable to WebSphere® Application Server traditional
While you are developing in the workbench, you might encounter the following SSLSocketFactory error message:
java.net.SocketException: java.lang.ClassNotFoundException:  Cannot find the specified class com.ibm.websphere.ssl.protocol.SSLSocketFactory
Here is a list of known tools where this SSLSocketFactory error message is displayed:
  • Web services wizard retrieving an HTTPS WSDL
  • Web Services Explorer running against a secured WebSphere Application Server
  • Deploying web services to the Axis runtime environment
  • Installing Rational® Asset Manager with an SSL enabled WebSphere Application Server
The workaround for the SSLSocketFactory error message, is to look for the following line in the com.ibm.ws.ast.st.core.prefs file available in the x:\workspace\.metadata\.plugins\org.eclipse.core.runtime\.settings, where x:\workspace is the directory of your workspace.
isUseIBMSSLSocketFactory=true
Replace true with false. Then, restart the workbench.
After you change the isUseIBMSSLSocketFactory property to false, you might encounter the following SSLHandshakeException error message:
Server.userException javax.net.ssl.SSLHandshakeException: com.ibm.jsse2.util.g: No trusted certificate found
To resolve the SSLHandshakeException error message when the isUseIBMSSLSocketFactory property is set to false, see the Configuring the IBM® JRE to talk to a secured WebSphere Application Server topic for instructions for running the iKeyman tool to work around this problem.
Modifying the isUseIBMSSLSocketFactory property to false might cause the SSLHandshakeException error message to persists when you are connecting or switching for the first time to a secured WebSphere Application Server by using an SSL connection within the workbench:
Server.userException javax.net.ssl.SSLHandshakeException: com.ibm.jsse2.util.g: No trusted certificate found
The workaround for this SSLHandshakeException error message, is to change back the isUseIBMSSLSocketFactory property to true. Look for the following line in the com.ibm.ws.ast.st.core.prefs file available in the x:\workspace\.metadata\.plugins\org.eclipse.core.runtime\.settings, where x:\workspace is the directory of your workspace.
isUseIBMSSLSocketFactory=false
Replace false with true. Then, restart the workbench.