Oracle JDBC 23.x Proxy Session URL Issue & Fix

Aug 13, 2025 by Viktoria Ivanova 47 views

Oracle JDBC Driver 23.x Proxy Session JDBC URL Compatibility Issue

Hey everyone! Let's dive into a compatibility issue that some of you might be facing with the Oracle JDBC Driver 23.x when using proxy sessions. This article breaks down the problem, the steps to reproduce it, and potential solutions, all while keeping it super easy to understand.

Background on Proxy Sessions with Oracle JDBC

So, what's the deal with proxy sessions? In Oracle, proxy sessions allow one user (the proxy user) to connect to the database on behalf of another user (the client user). This is super useful for applications that need to manage connections and permissions in a more controlled way.

According to the Liquibase documentation, there are a couple of ways to format your JDBC URL when using proxy sessions:

jdbc:oracle:thin:proxyuser[APPSCHEMA]/@host:port/servicename
jdbc:oracle:thin:proxyuser/@host:port/servicename

Additionally, for external authentication in cloud environments, there's a third format:

jdbc:oracle:thin:[APPSCHEMA]/@adb2_tpurgent?TNS_ADMIN=/home/opc/Wallet_ADB2/&oracle.jdbc.tokenAuthentication=OCI_TOKEN

The Issue: JDBC Driver 23.x and the Second URL Format

The main issue we're tackling today is that the second JDBC URL format (jdbc:oracle:thin:proxyuser/@host:port/servicename) no longer works with JDBC Drivers 23.x. When you try to connect using this format, you'll likely encounter the dreaded ORA-01005: null password given; logon denied error. Ugh, nobody likes seeing that!

It's worth noting that the first and third JDBC URL formats are now handled natively by JDBC 23ai drivers. This is a good thing in some ways, as it simplifies the connection process. However, the isProxySession() call might return false, which could be a bit confusing. Also, the OracleDatabase.tryProxySession() function's code becomes unreachable because these formats are handled natively. This means that while the first and third formats work, the second format is a no-go, resulting in the ORA-01005 error.

Diving Deep into the Problem

To really understand the issue, let's break it down. When you're dealing with database connections, especially in Oracle, the JDBC URL is your lifeline. It tells the driver everything it needs to know to establish a connection. The second format, which used to work fine, is now causing headaches because the driver isn't handling it correctly in the 23.x version. This can throw a wrench in your application if you haven't updated your connection strings or if you're relying on older configurations.

The ORA-01005 error is a classic sign of authentication problems. It basically means the database isn't getting the credentials it needs to verify the user. In this case, it's interpreting the lack of an explicitly provided password in the second URL format as a null password, hence the denial.

Steps to Reproduce the Issue

Okay, so how can you see this issue in action? Here’s a simple way to reproduce it:

Replace your JDBC driver: Swap out your older JDBC driver (e.g., 19c) with version 23c. You'll typically find the JDBC driver JAR files in a specific directory within your application's setup (like internal/extensions/).
Include the necessary JARs: Make sure you have the required JAR files, such as oraclepki.jar, osdt_cert.jar, osdt_core.jar, and ojdbc.jar.
Verify the driver version: Run java -jar ojdbc.jar to confirm you're using the Oracle 23.9.0.25.07 JDBC 4.2 driver (or the specific 23.x version you're testing).

Try to connect: Use the problematic JDBC URL format (the second one) and other formats to observe the behavior. For example:

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

Observe the error: When you try connecting with the second format, you should see the ORA-01005 error.

Detailed Walkthrough

Let's break down these steps even further. First, the act of replacing the JDBC driver is crucial because you're essentially changing the engine that drives your database connections. Think of it like swapping out the engine in your car – the new engine (JDBC 23c) might behave differently than the old one (JDBC 19c).

Including the necessary JARs is like making sure you have all the right parts for the new engine to run. These JAR files contain the code and configurations the JDBC driver needs to communicate with the Oracle database. If you're missing one, it's like trying to start your car without a key – it's just not going to happen.

Verifying the driver version is your way of double-checking that you've indeed installed the correct engine. It's a quick sanity check to ensure you're testing with the intended version, which is essential for troubleshooting.

When you try to connect with different URL formats, you're putting the new engine through its paces. You're testing how it handles various connection scenarios. The second format, being the troublemaker, is where you'll likely see the error pop up.

Expected Behavior and Potential Solutions

So, what should happen, and what can we do about it? Ideally, all documented JDBC URL formats should work seamlessly. However, given the current situation, it seems the second format might need to be deprecated or modified to align with how JDBC 23.x handles connections.

One potential workaround is to switch to one of the other supported formats (the first or third). This might involve updating your connection strings and configurations, but it's a straightforward way to get things working in the short term.

Diving into the Expected Outcomes

The expected behavior here is crucial because it dictates how we should proceed. In a perfect world, any JDBC URL format that's documented as valid should connect without issues. This consistency is what developers rely on when setting up their applications. However, when a specific format suddenly stops working, it creates a disconnect between expectations and reality, leading to troubleshooting and code adjustments.

The suggestion to deprecate or modify the second format isn't just a whim; it's a practical consideration based on the current behavior of JDBC 23.x. Deprecating a feature means marking it as obsolete and discouraging its use, often with a plan to remove it in future versions. Modifying it, on the other hand, involves changing how the format is interpreted to align with the driver's new logic.

Switching to the first or third formats is a pragmatic solution. It's like finding a detour when your usual route is blocked. While it might require some adjustments, it gets you to your destination – a working database connection – without getting bogged down in the error. Updating connection strings and configurations is a bit like reprogramming your GPS for the new route, ensuring your application knows the correct way to connect.

The Importance of Proxy User Logging

Another key point raised is the importance of logging proxy session information. To effectively track and manage proxy sessions, it's super helpful to know who the actual user is and who they are acting as. The suggestion is to use the following SQL query:

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

This query retrieves the current user and the proxy user from the session context, giving you valuable insights into the connection.

Understanding the SQL Query

This SQL query is a gem for anyone dealing with proxy sessions. It leverages the sys_context function, which is a built-in Oracle function that allows you to retrieve session-specific information. Think of sys_context as a window into the current state of your database connection.

The 'userenv' parameter specifies that we're interested in user environment attributes. Within that context, 'current_user' gives us the actual database user for the session, and 'proxy_user' tells us which user, if any, is being proxied. It’s like having a detective's notebook that tells you who's currently logged in and who they're pretending to be.

This information is incredibly useful for auditing and security purposes. You can track who's accessing the database through proxy sessions, which helps in maintaining accountability and preventing unauthorized access. For example, if you see a proxy user connecting on behalf of a user who shouldn't have those permissions, it's a red flag that warrants investigation.

Liquibase and the Issue

This issue is particularly relevant for those using Liquibase, a popular database schema management tool. Liquibase relies on JDBC URLs to connect to databases, so any compatibility issues with JDBC drivers can impact Liquibase deployments. While the original report didn't specify a Liquibase version, it's safe to say that anyone using Liquibase with Oracle and the 23.x JDBC driver should be aware of this issue.

Liquibase's Role in Database Management

Liquibase is a powerhouse when it comes to managing database changes. It allows you to define your database schema in a version-controlled format, making it easy to track and deploy changes across different environments. Think of it as Git for your database – you can commit changes, branch, merge, and roll back if needed.

JDBC URLs are the backbone of Liquibase's connectivity. They tell Liquibase how to connect to your database, just like they tell any other Java application. If there's a hiccup in the JDBC URL, Liquibase won't be able to do its job, and your deployments could fail. That's why issues like this JDBC driver incompatibility are so critical to address.

If you're a Liquibase user and you're running into this problem, the key is to ensure your JDBC URLs are in the correct format for the 23.x driver. That means avoiding the second format and sticking with the first or third.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In summary, the Oracle JDBC Driver 23.x has introduced a compatibility issue with the second JDBC URL format for proxy sessions. While the first and third formats are handled natively, the second format results in an ORA-01005 error. To work around this, consider using the first or third URL formats and ensure you're logging proxy session information for better tracking and security.

The original reporter has also kindly offered to submit a PR (Pull Request) to address this issue, which is fantastic! This collaborative approach is what makes the open-source community so strong. If you're experiencing this issue or have additional insights, feel free to contribute to the discussion or even submit your own PR.

Wrapping It Up

This whole situation highlights the importance of staying on top of driver updates and understanding how they might impact your existing configurations. It's like getting a new operating system for your computer – sometimes, things work perfectly out of the box, and other times, you need to tweak a few settings to get everything running smoothly.

By sharing these experiences and solutions, we can help each other navigate the ever-evolving world of database technology. So, if you've encountered this issue or have any tips to share, don't hesitate to chime in! Let's keep the conversation going and make sure everyone has a smooth ride with their Oracle JDBC connections.