PI27556: USE OF INCORRECT NAMES IN REFERENCES IN WEB.XML CAUSE A NULL POINTER EXCEPTION

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

• When constructing a "web.xml", use of incorrect names in
  references, for example, between a servlet mapping element and a
  servlet, cause a very very difficult to diagnose null pointer
  exception.
  .
  The problem is a usability problem: Name mismatches should
  produce an error which can be linked to the incorrect values in
  the web.xml.
  

Local fix

Problem summary

• ****************************************************************
  * USERS AFFECTED:  All users of IBM WebSphere Application      *
  *                  Server Liberty Profile version 8.5.5        *
  ****************************************************************
  * PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: A java.lang.NullPointerException occurs *
  *                      when there is no matching servlet       *
  *                      mapping defined for a servlet in the    *
  *                      web.xml                                 *
  ****************************************************************
  * RECOMMENDATION:                                              *
  ****************************************************************
   Having no matching servlet mapping defined in the web.xml for
  a defined servlet causes a java.lang.NullPointerException. For
  example, this entry will cause a
  java.lang.NullPointerException:
  
  <servlet>
      <servlet-
  name>My_Servlet</servlet-name>
      <display-name>My
  servlet</display-name>
      <description>Test
  servlet</description>
      <servlet-class>My_Servlet</servlet-
  class>
    </servlet>
  
    <servlet-mapping>
      <servlet-name>My
  Servlet</servlet-name>
      <url-pattern>/MyTests</url-pattern>
  
  </servlet-mapping>
  

Problem conclusion

• The WebContainer code was modified to avoid throwing the
  java.lang.NullPointerException.
  The fix for this APAR is currently targeted for inclusion in fix
  pack 8.5.5.4.  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

  WAS LIBERTY COR

• Fixed component ID

  5725L2900

Applicable component levels

• R855 PSY

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