Fix Java Error – Failed To Validate Certificate – OrcaCore

This tutorial will guide you through troubleshooting and resolving the frustrating "Failed To Validate Certificate" error you might encounter when accessing IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) or KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) consoles through Java. This issue often prevents you from launching the remote control interface necessary for managing your dedicated server.

Understanding IPMI and KVM

Before diving into the solution, let’s briefly define IPMI and KVM:

• IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface): A standardized set of specifications for hardware-based platform management. It allows you to monitor and control servers remotely, regardless of the operating system’s status. This includes tasks like power cycling, monitoring system health, and accessing the server’s console.

• KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine): A type of hypervisor built into the Linux kernel. It enables the creation and management of virtual machines, allowing you to run multiple operating systems concurrently on a single physical server.

The "Failed To Validate Certificate" Error

When attempting to access your IPMI or KVM console, you might encounter the following error message:

**Error**
Failed To Validate Certificate.
The application will not be executed.

This error indicates that Java is unable to verify the SSL/TLS certificate presented by the IPMI/KVM server. This can be due to various reasons, including:

• Self-signed certificates: IPMI/KVM interfaces often use self-signed certificates, which are not trusted by default by Java.
• Expired certificates: The certificate might have expired, rendering it invalid.
• Missing intermediate certificates: The certificate chain might be incomplete, preventing Java from verifying the certificate’s authenticity.

Let’s explore how to Fix Java Error – Failed To Validate Certificate – OrcaCore.

Original Solution: Modifying Java Security Settings

The following steps, based on the Orcacore website, outline a common approach to resolving this issue:

1. Update Java: While not always a guaranteed fix, ensure you’re running the latest version of Java. Outdated versions might have security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues that contribute to the error.

2. Remove the java.security File (Caution Advised): This step involves deleting a critical Java configuration file. Use with extreme caution and only as a last resort. Backing up the file before deleting it is highly recommended.

   Navigate to the following directory (the exact path might vary depending on your Java installation):

   C:Program Files > Java > jre1.8.0_361 > lib > security

   Or:

   C: Program Files (x86) > Java > jre1.8.0_361 > lib > security

   Delete the java.security file from this location.

   

   Warning: Deleting this file resets Java’s security settings to their defaults. This can potentially weaken your system’s security.

3. Add the IPMI/KVM Server to the Exception Site List: This is a more targeted approach that allows you to explicitly trust the specific server’s certificate.

   Search for "Configure Java" in your Start menu and open the Java Control Panel.

   

   Navigate to the "Security" tab and click "Edit Site List."

   

   Add the IP address(es) of your IPMI/KVM server(s) to the list. Use the following syntax:

   • For HTTPS: https://x.x.x.x:443
   • For HTTP: http://x.x.x.x

   Replace x.x.x.x with the actual IP address.

   

4. Restart Your Browser: Close and reopen your browser for the changes to take effect.

Alternative Solutions to Fix Java Error – Failed To Validate Certificate – OrcaCore

While the previous solution addresses the immediate error, it’s often not the most secure or maintainable approach. Here are two alternative methods for resolving the "Failed To Validate Certificate" error:

1. Import the Certificate into the Java Truststore:

This method involves downloading the certificate from the IPMI/KVM interface and importing it into Java’s truststore. This is a more secure approach than adding the server to the exception site list because it explicitly trusts the certificate, rather than blindly trusting all connections to that server.

• Download the Certificate: Access your IPMI/KVM interface through your browser. Look for a way to download the certificate. The process varies depending on the IPMI/KVM vendor, but it usually involves clicking on the padlock icon in the address bar and navigating to the certificate details. Export the certificate in a format like .cer or .crt.

• Import the Certificate using keytool: The keytool utility, included with the Java Development Kit (JDK), is used to manage certificates in Java keystores. Open a command prompt or terminal.

  Code Example:

  keytool -import -trustcacerts -alias ipmi-cert -file /path/to/your/certificate.cer -keystore "%JAVA_HOME%jrelibsecuritycacerts" -storepass changeit

  • Replace /path/to/your/certificate.cer with the actual path to your downloaded certificate file.
  • ipmi-cert is an alias for the certificate in the keystore; you can choose any descriptive name.
  • %JAVA_HOME% is an environment variable pointing to your Java installation directory. You may need to set this variable if it’s not already defined. You can also replace it with the full path to your Java installation.
  • changeit is the default password for the cacerts keystore. It’s highly recommended to change this password in a production environment.

  The command will prompt you to confirm that you trust the certificate. Type yes and press Enter.

• Restart Your Browser: Close and reopen your browser.

Explanation:

This approach directly adds the IPMI/KVM server’s certificate to Java’s list of trusted certificates. By explicitly trusting the certificate, Java can now validate the connection without triggering the error. This provides a more secure solution than blindly trusting all connections to a specific server.

2. Use a Browser with Built-in Certificate Exception Handling:

Some browsers, like Firefox, offer more granular control over certificate exceptions. Instead of modifying Java’s security settings, you can configure the browser to trust the self-signed certificate specifically for the IPMI/KVM interface.

• Access the IPMI/KVM Interface: Open the IPMI/KVM interface in your browser.

• Add a Certificate Exception: The browser will likely display a warning about the untrusted certificate. Look for an option to "Add Exception" or "Accept the Risk and Continue."

• Permanently Store the Exception: Ensure you select the option to permanently store the exception for this site.

Explanation:

This method leverages the browser’s built-in capabilities to handle untrusted certificates. By adding a certificate exception, you’re instructing the browser to trust the specific certificate for the IPMI/KVM interface, even though it’s not signed by a trusted Certificate Authority. This approach avoids modifying Java’s security settings and provides a more localized solution.

Conclusion

The "Failed To Validate Certificate" error can be a frustrating obstacle when accessing IPMI/KVM consoles. While the original solution involving modifying Java security settings can provide a quick fix, it’s essential to consider the security implications. The alternative solutions presented here, such as importing the certificate into the Java truststore or using a browser with built-in certificate exception handling, offer more secure and maintainable approaches to Fix Java Error – Failed To Validate Certificate – OrcaCore. Always prioritize security best practices when managing certificates and configuring your Java environment. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each method to determine the best approach for your specific needs.