Java SSL/TLS Troubleshooting

Fix Java SSL errors: PKIX path building failed, certificate exceptions, and truststore configuration issues.

Interactive Demo

Key Insight

When debugging Java SSL, always start with -Djavax.net.debug=ssl:handshake. The output is verbose but tells you exactly which cert failed validation and why. Look for 'FAILED' in the output.

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Select Error Scenario:

Step 0 of 4

PKIX Path Building Failed

Error Message:

sun.security.validator.ValidatorException: PKIX path building failed: sun.security.provider.certpath.SunCertPathBuilderException: unable to find valid certification path to requested target

Click "Debug" to diagnose this error

Essential Debug Commands

Full SSL Debug

$ java -Djavax.net.debug=ssl:handshake -jar app.jar

Check Server Certificate

$ openssl s_client -connect host:443 -showcerts

Debug Output Cheat Sheet

"PKIX path building failed"

CA not trusted - add to truststore

"validity check failed"

Certificate expired - renew it

"No subject alternative names"

Hostname mismatch - check SANs

"handshake_failure"

Protocol/cipher mismatch - check TLS version

Related demos

Keystore vs Truststore

Certificate ConversionPrev View All Demos

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