RecoverPoint: Exception caught in server [ java.lang.NullPointerException ] when modifying NTP settings in GUI or CLI

RP upgrade to 4.1.2.x or 4.3 from previous versions:

RecoverPoint Splitter: VNX Splitter
EMC Software: EMC RecoverPoint 4.1.2.x
EMC Software: EMC RecoverPoint (RP4VM) 4.3

 

Impact on client: When there is no pre-defined primary or secondary DNS, we can't change the NTP server IP due to null pointer exception (NPE).

Impact on RP: NPE is thrown from installation_server when trying to modify the settings.



Symptoms found in the logs:

Exception caught in server [java.lang.NullPointerException].

In installation_server logs there is (Pathfile: files/home/kos/installationLogs/server.log)

2016-01-11 20:25:59,687 [CommandWorker-6] (Command.java:69) ERROR - Command#run() Throwable. failure UID: 9dda9d2a-9037-405a-bb7f-e01f009baebd java.lang.NullPointerException at com.kashya.installation.server.commands.global.modify.modifications.DnsModifier.isSiteChanged(DnsModifier.java:10)

As part of the modification, the installation_server checks every part in the globalsystemconfig.xml to see if it was changed. When it checks the DNS, it throws NPE since there is no DNS configured. This should not happen since the DNS is not mandatory.

Workaround:

A solution exists for this issue but intervention from EMC technical support personnel is required. Support personnel must access your storage system to fix this issue. Contact the EMC Customer Support Center or your service representative for technical assistance and reference this EMC knowledgebase solution ID.


Resolution:

This issue is addressed in the following RecoverPoint versions: 4.1.SP3, 4.3.SP1, and 4.4.P1
To determine whether an upgrade is appropriate for your environment, contact the EMC Customer Support Center or your service representative and reference this solution ID.