IBM Support

DWA Login Redirects Back to Login Screen After Authentication

Troubleshooting


Problem

After attempting to log in to DOORS Web Access (DWA), the application returns to the login screen instead of granting access.

Symptom

When you enter valid credentials and attempt to log in to DWA, the page reloads and redirects back to the login screen.
No error message is displayed, and the login attempt appears unsuccessful.

Cause

DWA was accessed over HTTP (http://<hostname>:8080) instead of HTTPS (https://<hostname>:8443).

Without HTTPS, secure session cookies such as JSESSIONID are not created or transmitted, resulting in the web application treating each request as unauthenticated.

Environment

  • IBM Engineering DOORS Web Access (DWA)

  • DWA accessed using Chrome and Edge

  • Access attempted over HTTP (port 8080)

Diagnosing The Problem

  1. Review the HAR (HTTP Archive) file using Chrome Developer Tools or a HAR analyzer.

  2. Observe that all network requests are made over port 8080 (HTTP).

  3. Note the absence of JSESSIONID cookie in the HAR file, which indicates no session was established.

  4. Attempt to access the DWA URL via HTTPS (https://<hostname>:8443) and compare behavior.

  5. Confirm that login proceeds successfully and session cookie is created over HTTPS.

Resolving The Problem

  • Configure the web server to enable and enforce HTTPS access (port 8443).

  • Ensure the user accesses DWA using the HTTPS URL:
    https://<hostname>:8443/dwa/welcome/welcome.jsp

  • Optionally, redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS to avoid similar issues.

  • After enabling HTTPS, verify successful login and presence of JSESSIONID in browser cookies.

Document Location

Worldwide

[{"Type":"MASTER","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB77","label":"Automation Platform"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU048","label":"IBM Software"},"Product":{"code":"SSYQCV","label":"IBM Engineering Requirements Management DOORS Web Access"},"ARM Category":[{"code":"a8m50000000CiqdAAC","label":"ERM DOORS-\u003EDOORS Web Access (DWA)"}],"ARM Case Number":"","Platform":[{"code":"PF025","label":"Platform Independent"}],"Version":"9.5.0;9.5.1;9.5.2;9.6.0;9.6.1;9.7.0;9.7.1;9.7.2"}]

Document Information

Modified date:
01 August 2025

UID

ibm17240606

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