java.net.MalformedURLException: unknown protocol: https error
 Technote (FAQ)
 
Problem
Application running on a WebSphere Application Server attempts to make an https connection to a external web server or WebSphere Application Server.
 
Cause
This error indicates that either the URL is incorrect, protocol handler is incorrect, or the provider is not added correctly. This problem occurs in WebSphere V6 because JSSE or JSSE2 is not defined correctly by default.
 
Solution
The same protocol provider should be used in the three settings below (JSSE or JSSE2).

1. Ensure the JSSE provider is defined. This can be done in the application code or in the <was_root>/java/jre/security/java.security file. The protocol to specify for JSSE is com.ibm.jsse.IBMJSSEProvider. The protocol to specify for JSSE2 is com.ibm.jsse2.IBMJSSEProvider2. This can be done be editing the java.security file which is found in <was_root>/java/jre/lib/security directory. Add a provider entry as necessary.

2. Ensure that the proper protocol handler is specified. This can be done in the application code or in the jvm arguments. In the application, for JSSE, specify com.ibm.net.ssl.www.protocol. For JSSE2, specify com.ibm.net.ssl.www2.protocol. In WebSphere, this value can be specified to the JVM via admin console: Servers => Application Servers => server_name => Custom Properties => New. The name to add is java.protocol.handler.pkgs and the value com.ibm.net.ssl.wwww.protocol (for JSSE) or com.ibm.net.ssl.www2.protocol (for JSSE2).

3. Ensure that the default protocol is specified in the security settings. access admin console: Security -> SSL -> pick the repetoire -> Under "predefined Provider" select IBMJSSE or IBMJSSE2.

 
 
 


Document Information


Product categories: Software > Application Servers > Distributed Application & Web Servers > WebSphere Application Server > Java Security (JSSE/JCE)
Operating system(s): HP-UX
Software version: 6.0
Software edition:
Reference #: 1218846
IBM Group: Software Group
Modified date: Sep 30, 2005