Fix (APAR):  PH36923

Status:  Fix

Release:  21.0.0.4

Operating System:  AIX,HP-UX,IBM i,Linux,Solaris,Windows,OS X

Supersedes Fixes:  PH34711

CMVC Defect:  xxxxxx

Byte size of APAR:  3502092

Date: 2021-05-11

Abstract:  java.lang.NullPointerException caused by PH34711

Description/symptom of problem:  

PH36923 resolves the following problem:

ERROR DESCRIPTION:
java.lang.NullPointerException caused by PH34711

LOCAL FIX:                                                      
None                                                            

PROBLEM SUMMARY:
Users of JSF Portlet Bridge will encounter an NPE during any request.

Caused by: java.lang.NullPointerException 
 at org.apache.myfaces.view.facelets.DefaultFaceletsStateManagementStrategy.restoreView(DefaultFaceletsStateManagementStrategy.java:154)
 at org.apache.myfaces.application.jsp.JspStateManagerImpl.restoreView(JspStateManagerImpl.java:432)
 at org.apache.myfaces.shared_impl.view.ViewDeclarationLanguageBase.restoreView(ViewDeclarationLanguageBase.java:106)

Additionally, it is possible for Liberty users of JSF-2.0 to be affected if the view state string is modified improperly in any way.

PROBLEM CONCLUSION:
The JSF implementation was updated to handle a missing or corrupt viewstate string to avoid this NPE. The fix for this APAR is currently targeted for inclusion in fix packs 8.5.5.20 and 21.0.0.6.




Directions to apply fix:  
Fix applies to Editions:
Release 8.0
X Application Server (Express or BASE)
X Network Deployment (ND)
__ Edge Components
X Developer

Install Fix to all WebSphere installations unless special instructions are included below.

Special Instructions: None

NOTE:
The user must:
* Logged in with the same authority level when unpacking a fix, fix pack or refresh pack.
* Be at V1.4.3 or newer of the Installation Manager. Certain iFixes may require a newer version of the Installation Manager and the Installation Manager will inform you during the installation process if a newer version is required.

The IBM Information Center can provide details, if needed, on the use of the Installation Manager to apply the iFixes.
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/install/v1r4/index.jsp.  Shutdown WebSphere Application Server before applying the iFixes.  Restart WebSphere Application Server after applying the iFixes.



Directions to remove fix:  

The IBM Information Center can provide details, if needed, on the use of the Installation Manager to remove the iFixes.
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/install/v1r4/index.jsp.  Shutdown WebSphere Application Server before removing the iFixes.  Restart WebSphere Application Server after removing the iFixes.



Directions to re-apply fix:  
1) Shutdown WebSphere Application Server.

2) Follow the Fix instructions to apply the fix.

3) Restart WebSphere Application Server.



Additional Information: