Fix (APAR):  PI20036

Status:  Fix

Release:  8.5.5.2,8.5.5.1

Operating System:  Windows

Supersedes Fixes:  

CMVC Defect:  xxxxxx

Byte size of APAR:  568614

Date: 2014-08-18

Abstract:  stack overflow in processcpu module

Description/symptom of problem:  
PI20036 resolves the following problem:

ERROR DESCRIPTION:                                              
A stackOverflow problem implicating ProcessCPU64.dll is  due    
to the CreateToolhelp32Snapshot function in Microsoft Windows'  
Kernel32.dll library returning a process tree which has a       
parent/child cycle (i.e. child is the parent of himself).  This 
causes ProcessCPU to go into infinite recursion as it attempts  
to do a depth-first traversal of the process tree.              

LOCAL FIX:                                                      
n/a                                                             

PROBLEM SUMMARY

USERS AFFECTED:
 All users of IBM WebSphere Application
Server

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
stackOverflow in ProcessCPU module

RECOMMENDATION:
None

WebSphere Application Server native code ProcessCPU64.dll
experiences native stackoverflow and crash while collecting
CPU stats. The stackOverflow problem implicating
ProcessCPU64.dll is due to the CreateToolhelp32Snapshot
function in Microsoft Windows'Kernel32.dll library returning a
process tree which has a parent/child cycle. This causes
ProcessCPU to go into infinite recursion as it attempts to do
a depth-first traversal of the process tree.

PROBLEM CONCLUSION:                                             
The code is fixed to find the parent Process ID in the list of  
child process IDs returned in process structure and skipped to  
avoid the infinite recursion.                                   
                                                                
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   


Directions to apply fix:  
Fix applies to Editions:
Release 8.5.5
__ Application Server (Express or BASE)
_X_ Network Deployment (ND)
__ Edge Components
__ 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: