Unable to find valid certification path to requested target - error even after cert imported

java

ssl-debugging

keystore

trust-store

byAnton Shumikhin·Dec 31, 2024

Have a SSL certificate error? Let's import the server's SSL certificate to your Java Keystore:

Get the certificate:

# Our server is a clam, let's fetch the pearl (certificate) inside
echo | openssl s_client -connect HOST:PORT | openssl x509 > myserver.crt

Replace HOST and PORT with the actual server details.

Add to the Keystore:

# Drop the pearl (certificate) into the treasure chest (Java Keystore)
keytool -importcert -file myserver.crt -keystore ${JAVA_HOME}/lib/security/cacerts -alias "myserver"

Default password is changeit unless altered.

Before you celebrate, verify a few things with these steps, to ensure you're out of the woods:

Permission settings: Check if cacerts file is writable.
Trust store credentials: Storing correct credentials? Don't mismatch with JVM configurations.
File location: For easy access, move the trust store file to a convenient directory.
Glassfish considerations: If you're using Glassfish, double-check for the correct cacerts file.

Getting your ducks in a row: Handling Keystore and Trust Store

Turning on the faucet: Debugging SSL

Enable debugging with this magic spell and see what's bubbling beneath:

# Let's put on those x-ray goggles
java -Djavax.net.debug=all -jar YourApplication.jar

For a specific debugging scene, target your spells like -Djavax.net.debug=ssl,handshake for handshake, or -Djavax.net.debug=ssl:record for SSL records watching.

Know your Java: Keystore vs. Trust Store

They are siblings but not twins! Understand, your keystore (your ID card) holds your keys and certificates, while the trust store (friends list) includes certificates you trust.

Customize like a Pro: Trust Store

Specify trust store settings with JSSE system properties:

# Like tweaking volume and brightness settings
-Djavax.net.ssl.trustStore=path_to_truststore
-Djavax.net.ssl.trustStorePassword=truststore-password

Put the trust store file at a reachable place and align passwords with the ones in JVM arguments.

Unraveling the mystery: Server Certificate Chain

Once added, verify the full server certificate chain is present and rightly trusted.

Check these as well: Beyond the Java's Trust Store

Are you using any app servers or libraries encapsulating Java? They may have their own trust store or keystore configurations.

Debug to get answers: Handshake and Record Debugging

Deep dive tech debugging? Throws -Djavax.net.debug=ssl:handshake for handshake details or -Djavax.net.debug=ssl:record to see SSL/TLS protocol dance steps.

The Oracle speaks: Resources

For a deeper understanding, visit the Java SE Security Guide – it’s like the matrix of SSL debugging.

Extra stuff to watch for

Unravel the app server locks

Servers or libraries encapsulating Java might have their own SSL configurations. Ensure you understand your app server's SSL requirements.

Write permissions are a must

If you're banging your head unable to import, ensure the keystore file isn't set to read-only before re-importing.

Utilities to the rescue

Too lazy to do manually? Use a Java utility or InstallCert.java to automatically import certificates.

Java security properties

Set security properties such as javax.net.ssl.keyStorePassword as per your setup requirements.

explain-codes / Java / Unable to find valid certification path to requested target - error even after cert imported

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