PI14205: PREVENT NULLPOINTEREXCEPTION DURING WEBAPP SHUTDOWN

8.5.5.3: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 3
8.5.5.4: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 4
8.5.5.5: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 5
8.5.5.6: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 6
8.5.5.7: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 7
8.5.5.8: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 8
8.5.5.9: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 9
8.5.5.10: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 10
8.5.5.11: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 11
8.5.5.12: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 12
8.5.5.13: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 13
8.5.5.14: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 14
8.5.5.15: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 15
8.5.5.14: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 14
8.5.5.17: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 17
8.5.5.20: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5.20
8.5.5.18: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 18
8.5.5.19: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 19
8.5.5.16: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5 Fix Pack 16
8.5.5.21: WebSphere Application Server V8.5.5.21

APAR status

• Closed as program error.

Error description

• If a WebApp retrieved a Request during the process of being
  destroyed, the attempt to dispatch the request could (rarely)
  access data structures while they were being deleted and thus
  produce a NullPointerException. This change closes that timing
  window; the request will instead be rejected as if the WebApp
  had completed shutting down.
  

Local fix

Problem summary

• ****************************************************************
  * USERS AFFECTED:  All users of IBM WebSphere Application      *
  *                  Server Liberty Profile                      *
  ****************************************************************
  * PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: If a WebApp Request came in while the   *
  *                      WebApp was being shut down, a           *
  *                      NullPointerException was sometimes      *
  *                      reported                                *
  ****************************************************************
  * RECOMMENDATION:  Apply this APAR.                            *
  ****************************************************************
  There was a timing window between the thread processing the
  request and the thread managing the shutdown, which
  could try to process the request against an instance that was
  no longer present.
  

Problem conclusion

• This change ensures that the request will instead be rejected,
  as if the WebApp had finished shutting down.
  
  The fix for this APAR is currently targeted for inclusion in
  fix pack 8.5.5.3. Please refer to the Recommended Updates page
  for delivery information:
  http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=180&uid=swg27004980
  

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

  LIBERTY PROFILE

• Fixed component ID

  5724J0814

Applicable component levels

• R850 PSY

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