Oracle JDBC 23.x: Proxy Session JDBC URL Broken? Fix Here!

Aug 13, 2025 by Axel Sørensen 59 views

Oracle JDBC Driver 23.x Breaks PROXY Session JDBC URL: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a critical issue affecting Oracle JDBC connections, specifically with the new 23.x drivers. It's about how proxy sessions are handled, and if you're using Oracle, this is something you definitely need to know. Let's break it down and see what's happening.

Understanding the Problem

So, the main issue here is that the second JDBC URL format for proxy session authentication isn't working anymore with the JDBC Drivers 23.x. This format, which looks like jdbc:oracle:thin:proxyuser/@host:port/servicename, now throws an ORA-01005: null password given; logon denied error. This can be a real headache if you've got your connections set up this way.

The first format, jdbc:oracle:thin:proxyuser[APPSCHEMA]/@host:port/servicename, and the third format, jdbc:oracle:thin:[APPSCHEMA]/@adb2_tpurgent?TNS_ADMIN=/home/opc/Wallet_ADB2/&oracle.jdbc.tokenAuthentication=OCI_TOKEN, (used for external authentication in Cloud environments) are still working, but there's more to the story. These formats are now handled natively by JDBC 23ai drivers, which means the openProxySession() call is no longer needed. Cool, right? But, isProxySession() still returns false, which might be a bit confusing.

Why This Matters

This change can impact your applications and scripts that rely on the second JDBC URL format. If you've recently upgraded your JDBC drivers and things have started breaking, this is likely why. It's crucial to understand these nuances to ensure your connections are stable and secure.

Diving Deeper into the Issue

To really understand this, let's unpack the different aspects:

JDBC URL Formats: We've got three formats to consider, each with its own behavior in the new JDBC 23.x drivers.
Error Message: The dreaded ORA-01005 error is a clear sign that something's up with the authentication.
Native Handling: The fact that the first and third formats are handled natively is a big deal. It simplifies things but also means some older code might not be necessary anymore.

The First JDBC URL Format

Discussing the first JDBC URL format, jdbc:oracle:thin:proxyuser[APPSCHEMA]/@host:port/servicename, it's essential to consider its future within the evolving landscape of Oracle JDBC drivers. While it currently functions, there's a growing sentiment that it might be wise to deprecate this format in the future. This is because the way it's handled might need adjustments before being passed to JDBC, ensuring better consistency and security. It's like having an old road that still works, but you know you might need to reroute traffic soon for smoother flow. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on Oracle's updates and recommendations regarding this format.

In the context of modern JDBC drivers, the first JDBC URL format presents an interesting case. While it continues to function, its underlying mechanics are shifting. Native handling by JDBC 23ai drivers eliminates the necessity for explicit calls to openProxySession(), streamlining the connection process. However, this also introduces a subtle complexity: the isProxySession() method now returns false, which could lead to confusion or unexpected behavior if applications rely on this method to verify proxy session status. This disconnect between the actual connection behavior and the reported status underscores the need for developers to thoroughly test and understand how their applications interact with the updated drivers.

Furthermore, the potential deprecation of the first JDBC URL format highlights the importance of proactive adaptation. Organizations should consider migrating away from this format to ensure long-term compatibility and leverage the more robust and secure connection methods offered by newer drivers. This might involve refactoring connection strings or updating connection pooling configurations. Staying ahead of these changes not only prevents potential disruptions but also positions applications to take full advantage of the performance and security enhancements baked into the latest Oracle JDBC drivers. The decision to deprecate, or at least modify, this format is driven by a commitment to maintain a secure and efficient environment for database connections, aligning with the broader trends in database management and security practices.

The Second JDBC URL Format Failure

The failure of the second JDBC URL format, jdbc:oracle:thin:proxyuser/@host:port/servicename, with the newer JDBC 23.x drivers is a critical issue that requires careful attention. The error message ORA-01005: null password given; logon denied clearly indicates an authentication problem. However, the root cause isn’t a simple matter of providing the wrong password. Instead, it signals a fundamental change in how the driver processes this particular connection string format. With the older drivers, this format was a valid way to establish a proxy session. The newer drivers, however, appear to be misinterpreting the connection string, leading to a failure in the authentication process.

This shift is particularly impactful because many applications and scripts rely on this established method of connecting to the database. When an upgrade to the JDBC 23.x drivers results in a connection failure, it can lead to significant disruptions. To mitigate this issue, it’s crucial to understand the underlying change. The drivers are not simply rejecting the connection; they are not even getting to the point where they can properly authenticate. The misinterpretation of the connection string means that the password, or the lack thereof, is not being handled correctly, resulting in the error.

For those affected by this problem, the immediate solution involves switching to a different JDBC URL format, such as the first or third format, which are handled natively by the newer drivers. However, this is just a workaround. The long-term solution might involve a deeper refactoring of the connection logic to align with the evolving standards of the Oracle JDBC drivers. It’s also essential to monitor Oracle’s official documentation and release notes for any updates or recommendations regarding this issue. The failure of the second JDBC URL format serves as a reminder of the importance of thoroughly testing any driver updates in a non-production environment before deploying them to production systems. This proactive approach can help identify potential compatibility issues and prevent unexpected outages.

The Third JDBC URL Format

The third JDBC URL format, jdbc:oracle:thin:[APPSCHEMA]/@adb2_tpurgent?TNS_ADMIN=/home/opc/Wallet_ADB2/&oracle.jdbc.tokenAuthentication=OCI_TOKEN, is particularly relevant in cloud environments where external authentication is crucial. This format leverages token-based authentication, making it a secure and efficient option for connecting to Oracle databases in the cloud. The fact that this format is now natively handled by JDBC 23ai drivers is a significant improvement, simplifying the connection process and reducing the need for custom code to manage proxy sessions.

The use of TNS_ADMIN and oracle.jdbc.tokenAuthentication parameters in this connection string is indicative of its cloud-centric design. TNS_ADMIN specifies the location of the tnsnames.ora file, which contains the network configuration information for the Oracle database. This is essential for establishing a connection in a cloud environment where the database may be accessed via a network alias rather than a direct host and port. The oracle.jdbc.tokenAuthentication parameter, set to OCI_TOKEN, enables the use of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) tokens for authentication. This approach is more secure than traditional password-based authentication, as tokens are short-lived and can be easily revoked, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

The native handling of the third JDBC URL format by JDBC 23ai drivers means that developers can now rely on standard JDBC APIs to establish connections using token authentication, without the need for custom proxy session management. This simplifies the code and makes it easier to maintain. However, it’s important to note that while the connection process is streamlined, the isProxySession() method still returns false. This discrepancy might require developers to adjust their logic if they rely on this method to determine the session type. Overall, the third JDBC URL format provides a robust and secure way to connect to Oracle databases in the cloud, and its native support in JDBC 23ai drivers is a welcome enhancement.

Steps to Reproduce the Issue

If you want to see this in action, here’s how you can reproduce the issue:

Replace your JDBC driver: Swap out your older 19c JDBC driver with the 23c version. Place the oraclepki.jar, osdt_cert.jar, osdt_core.jar, and ojdbc.jar files into your internal/extensions/ directory.
Verify the driver version: Run java -jar ojdbc.jar to confirm you're using Oracle 23.9.0.25.07 JDBC 4.2.
Try connecting: Use the problematic JDBC URLs:
- jdbc:oracle:thin:APPSCHEMA/@ADB2_tpurgent?TNS_ADMIN=/home/opc/Wallet_ADB2/&oracle.jdbc.tokenAuthentication=OCI_TOKEN
- jdbc:oracle:thin:[APPSCHEMA]/@ADB2_tpurgent?TNS_ADMIN=/home/opc/Wallet_ADB2/&oracle.jdbc.tokenAuthentication=OCI_TOKEN
- jdbc:oracle:thin:USER2[APPSCHEMA]/pwd@ADB2_tpurgent?TNS_ADMIN=/home/opc/Wallet_ADB2/&oracle.jdbc.tokenAuthentication=OCI_TOKEN

You should see the connection fail with the ORA-01005 error when using the second format.

Expected Behavior and Potential Solutions

The ideal scenario would be for the second JDBC format to either work correctly or be officially deprecated. For now, it seems like the best approach is to avoid using it. If you're relying on proxy sessions, consider using the first or third format instead. This will ensure compatibility with the newer JDBC drivers.

It's also worth noting that proxy session logging should ideally use the following SQL to provide better clarity:

select  sys_context( 'userenv', 'current_user' )   as current_user,
            sys_context( 'userenv', 'proxy_user' )     as proxy_user
            from dual

This query helps in understanding which user is currently logged in and who they are proxying as.

Liquibase and Oracle 23ai

This issue was observed while using Liquibase with Oracle 23ai. While the original report didn't specify the Liquibase version, it's crucial to ensure you're using a supported version that's compatible with the latest JDBC drivers. If you're encountering this problem, make sure to check your Liquibase configuration and update if necessary.

Community Contribution

A big shoutout to the person who reported this and is willing to submit a PR! Community contributions like this are what make the open-source world so awesome. By sharing their findings and being willing to contribute a fix, they're helping everyone who uses these tools.

Final Thoughts

The shift in how Oracle JDBC drivers handle proxy sessions is a significant change. It's essential to stay informed and adapt your connection configurations accordingly. By understanding the different JDBC URL formats and their behaviors, you can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure your applications run smoothly. Keep an eye on Oracle's documentation and community discussions for the latest updates on this issue. And remember, testing your updates in a non-production environment is always a good idea!

If you've run into this issue or have any insights to share, drop a comment below. Let's keep the conversation going and help each other out!