Sun Java JVM applications crash - IBM IntelliStation A Pro (Type 6224)

Resolving The Problem

RETAIN tip: H182201

Java applications using the Sun Java Virtual Machine (VM) will crash on systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3, update 2 for X86_64.
 
For example, running "java - version" would normally return the distribution and the version of Java VM. Under Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 3, update 2 for X86_64 this command would cause a crash: "java - version".

The following operating system is affected:

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux, version 3 Update 2.
  
  Note: This does not imply that the network operating system will work under all combinations of hardware and software. Please see the IBM ServerProven compatibility page for more information.

The Sun Java VM has been updated and included with RHEL 3 Update 3 for X86_64.  

Edit the GRUB configuration file, /boot/grub/grub.conf by adding the option noexec=off to the kernel boot string.
 
A typical grub.conf file for RHEL 3 Update 2 would be:
 
# grub.conf generated by anaconda
#
# Note that you do not have to rerun grub after making changes
# to this file
#
# NOTICE: You have a /boot partition.
#
# This means that all kernel and initrd paths are relative to
# /boot/, e.g.
# root (hd0,0)
# kernel /vmlinuz-version ro root=/dev/sda2
# initrd /initrd-version.img
#
#boot=/dev/sda
 
default=0
timeout=10
splashimage=(hd0,0)/grub/splash.xpm.gz
 
title Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS (2.4.21-15.ELsmp)
 
root (hd0,0)
kernel /vmlinuz-2.4.21-15.ELsmp ro root=LABEL=/ hdc=
ide-SCSI
initrd /initrd-2.4.21-15.ELsmp.img
 
title Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS (2.4.21-15.EL)
 
root (hd0,0)
kernel /vmlinuz-2.4.21-15.EL ro root=LABEL=/ hdc=
ide-SCSI
initrd /initrd-2.4.21-15.EL.img
 
In order to modify the file above, append noexec32=off to the lines beginning with "kernel".  

An issue with the NX implementation in the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 update 2 kernel causes the Sun Java VM to crash. The workaround avoids the issue by disabling the NX functionality.