PK93952: NullPointerException in CompoundClassLoader

Download Description

PK93952 resolves the following problem:

ERROR DESCRIPTION:
Attempts to load a class from a disposed CompoundClassLoader results in NullPointerException.

Attempts to output a disposed CompoundClassLoader also results in an NullPointerException, which can make problem determination difficult.

The NullPointerException is due to internal variables being set to null when the CompoundClassLoader is disposed.

LOCAL FIX:

PROBLEM SUMMARY

USERS AFFECTED:
All users of IBM WebSphere Application Server V7.0.

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
Users who use an application's class loader after the application has been stopped may see a NullPointerException.

RECOMMENDATION:
None

Use of an application's class loader after the application is stopped may result in one of the following NullPointerExceptions:

java.lang.NullPointerException
at
com.ibm.ws.classloader.CompoundClassLoader.libraryClassLoadersFindClass(CompoundClassLoader.java:658)

at
com.ibm.ws.classloader.CompoundClassLoader.loadClass(CompoundClassLoader.java:471)
...

or

java.lang.NullPointerException
at
com.ibm.ws.classloader.CompoundClassLoader.toString(CompoundClassLoader.java:1193)
...

PROBLEM CONCLUSION:
When an application is stopped, it's class loader is disposed of and some internal structures are set to null. If this class loader is subsequently used, the null structures may cause a NullPointerException. In this APAR the structures are no longer nulled out but their contents are cleared.

The fix for this APAR is currently targeted for inclusion in fix pack 7.0.0.9. Please refer to the Recommended Updates page for delivery information:
http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=180&uid=swg27004980