A fix is available
APAR status
Closed as program error.
Error description
In WebSphere v6.1 the servlet engine may throw the following NullPointerException if a getRequestDispatcher invocation doesn't pass in a path that contains a leading slash: java.lang.NullPointerException at com.ibm.ws.webcontainer.webapp.WebAppDispatcherContext. getRequestDispatcher(WebAppDispatcherContext.java:340) at com.ibm.ws.webcontainer.srt.SRTServletRequest. getRequestDispatcher(SRTServletRequest.java:1759) ... Note that the J2EE spec does require a leading slash on these invocations, however, the current WebSphere implementation doesn't give good feedback on the user error by allowing the NullPointerException to be thrown.
Local fix
Add a leading slash to the path passed in on the getRequestDispatcher invocation.
Problem summary
**************************************************************** * USERS AFFECTED: IBM WebSphere Application Server Version 6.1 * * users with security enabled. * **************************************************************** * PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: A filter used in a login/logout * * process will receive a null pointer * * exception if it calls * * HttpServletRequest.getRequestDispatcher * * with a path which does not include * * a leading "/". * **************************************************************** * RECOMMENDATION: * **************************************************************** If a filter is defined for a request to j_security_check or ibm_security_logout and the filter calls HttpServletRequest.getRequestDispatcher with a path which does not start with "/", the following null pointer exception occurs:
Problem conclusion
The WebContainer has been updated to add a leading "/" to the path passed in on a HttpServletRequest.getRequestDispatcher() invocation if the path specified does not include a leading slash and the request involved is to either j_security_check or ibm_security_logout. APAR PK75948 is currently targeted for inclusion in Service Level (Fix Pack) 7.0.0.1 of WebSphere Application Server V7.0 for z/OS. Please refer to URL: //www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=404&uid=swg27006970 for Fix Pack availability.
Temporary fix
Comments
APAR Information
APAR number
PK75948
Reported component name
WEBSPHERE FOR Z
Reported component ID
5655I3500
Reported release
700
Status
CLOSED PER
PE
NoPE
HIPER
NoHIPER
Special Attention
NoSpecatt
Submitted date
2008-11-18
Closed date
2008-11-19
Last modified date
2009-01-02
APAR is sysrouted FROM one or more of the following:
APAR is sysrouted TO one or more of the following:
Modules/Macros
BBGUBINF BBOUBINF
Fix information
Fixed component name
WEBSPHERE FOR Z
Fixed component ID
5655I3500
Applicable component levels
R700 PSY UK41764
UP08/12/05 P F812
Fix is available
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Document Information
Modified date:
10 February 2022