PH43733: DISTRIBUTEDMAP.REMOVE() RESULTS IN NPE WHEN REPLICATION CONFIGURATION IS INCORRECT

APAR status

• Closed as program error.

Error description

• If a cache instance is enable for replication but doesn't
  specify an existing replication domain, an NPE may occur when
  removing entries from the cache.
  

Local fix

• Possible workaround:
  
  clusterCaching 	You can specify one of the following values:
     true (default)
     false
  
  	Set this property to false if you want each cluster member to
  maintain its own caches. When this property is set to false and
  you are operating in a cluster, session affinity is required for
  proper operation. When this property is set to false, the
  default for useStateCookies changes to false.
  
  https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/was/8.5.5?topic=cocrp-openid-connec
  t-relying-party-custom-properties-1
  First, try the following unqualified (ie, no provider_(id)
  prefix) OIDC TAI property:
  
  clusterCaching=false
  
  
  That will initialize DC as a local cache so both the
  insert/remove paths should recognize the state.
  
  
  If that does not work, remove the property, then create the
  DynaCacheCluster replication domain:
     In the admin console, navigate to Environment -> Replication
  domains
     For the Name, enter DynaCacheCluster
  
     For number of replicas, select Entire domain
     Click OK
     Save
     Restart the server
  
  For reference:  https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/was/9.0.5?topic=set
  tings-data-replication-domain
  

Problem summary

• ****************************************************************
  * USERS AFFECTED:  All users of IBM WebSphere Application      *
  *                  Server                                      *
  *                  using dynacache with replication enabled.   *
  ****************************************************************
  * PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: A NullPointerException may occur in     *
  *                      DRSNotificationService.isDRSReady()     *
  *                      when                                    *
  *                      invalidating or removing a cached       *
  *                      object.                                 *
  ****************************************************************
  * RECOMMENDATION:                                              *
  ****************************************************************
  A valid replication domain name must be specified when
  replication is enabled for a cache instance.  A
  NullPointerException in DRSNotificationService.isDRSReady() may
  occur when the cache instance is initialized with replication
  enabled but a replication domain name is not specified.
  

Problem conclusion

• Dynacache will disable replication for a cache instance if the
  replication name is not specified when the cache instance is
  initialized.  This will prevent the NullPointerException but the
  configuration is still invalid.  If replication is required then
  the replication domain name must be specified in the cache
  instance configuration.  If replication is not required then
  replication should not be enabled.
  
  The fix for this APAR is targeted for inclusion in fix packs
  9.0.5.12 and 8.5.5.22 For more information, see 'Recommended
  Updates for WebSphere Application Server':
  https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/715553
  

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

  WEBS APP SERV N

• Fixed component ID

  5724H8800

Applicable component levels