IT48056: PCOMM V15.0.0 (64BIT) - CRASHES WHEN RAN WITH MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

APAR status

• Closed as program error.

Error description

• Users are getting problems with "intermittent" crashes of PCOMM
  that runs with MFA required.
  
  When it crashes, users have to kill a dead session in Windows
  Task Manager before they can restart their 3270 session.
  
  In the event logs, they are getting different PCSCM.EXE crashes
  with "scksp.dll" module, and some with "pcsevtry.dll" module,
  and "PCSTLNET.dll" module.
  

Local fix

Problem summary

• The PCOMM crash occurs because a third-party application
  incorrectly loads PCOMM's internal modules when a Z-Series
  secure session is inactive with "enable telnet keep alive" set
  to "NOP" and when reading a client certificate.
  

Problem conclusion

• PCOMM has implemented code changes with pcswin.ini keyword to
  prevent any third-party applications from incorrectly loading
  its internal modules.
  
  To enable this, use the RestrictConnect keyword to establish a
  baseline restriction.
  
  [Telnet]
  
  RestrictConnect = Y
  
  
  To permit specific applications (whitelisting): while keeping
  restrictions active, you can authorize specific software (such
  as Microsoft Excel or custom VB applications) by defining them
  sequentially:
  
  [Telnet]
  
  RestrictConnect = Y
  
  AllowConnect0 = excel.exe
  AllowConnect1 = VBApplicationSample.exe
  

Temporary fix

Comments

APAR Information

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

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

Fix information

• Fixed component name

  PCOMM COMBO-ENG

• Fixed component ID

  5639I7000

Applicable component levels