Attempt To Invoke Virtual Method 'java.security.PublicKey Java.security.cert.Certificate.getPublicKey()' On A Null Object Reference

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Introduction

In this article, we will be discussing a critical issue that has been encountered by some Android developers using the Okta Mobile SDK. The issue is related to a NullPointerException that occurs when attempting to invoke the getPublicKey() method on a null Certificate object. This error is particularly problematic as it can cause the application to crash, resulting in a poor user experience.

Describe the Bug

The bug is characterized by a NullPointerException that occurs when the Okta Mobile SDK attempts to encrypt a token using the DefaultTokenEncryptionHandler class. The error is specifically related to the getPublicKey() method, which is called on a null Certificate object.

Stack Trace

The stack trace for this error is as follows:

Caused by java.lang.NullPointerException: Attempt to invoke virtual method 'java.security.PublicKey java.security.cert.Certificate.getPublicKey()' on a null object reference
       at com.okta.authfoundation.credential.DefaultTokenEncryptionHandler.encrypt(TokenEncryptionHandler.kt:203)
       at com.okta.authfoundation.credential.RoomTokenStorage.add(RoomTokenStorage.kt:108)
       at com.okta.authfoundation.credential.CredentialDataSource.createCredential(CredentialDataSource.kt:70)
       at com.okta.authfoundation.credential.Credential$Companion.storeAsync(Credential.java:324)
       at com.okta.authfoundation.credential.Credential$Companion$storeAsync$1.invokeSuspend(Credential.kt:12)
       at kotlin.coroutines.jvm.internal.BaseContinuationImpl.resumeWith(ContinuationImpl.kt:33)
       at kotlinx.coroutines.UndispatchedCoroutine.afterResume(CoroutineContext.kt:266)
       at kotlinx.coroutines.AbstractCoroutine.resumeWith(AbstractCoroutine.kt:100)
       at kotlin.coroutines.jvm.internal.BaseContinuationImpl.resumeWith(ContinuationImpl.kt:46)
       at kotlinx.coroutines.DispatchedTask.run(DispatchedTask.kt:101)
       at kotlinx.coroutines.EventLoopImplBase.processNextEvent(EventLoop.common.kt:263)
       at kotlinx.coroutines.BlockingCoroutine.joinBlocking(BlockingCoroutine.java:95)
       at kotlinx.coroutines.BuildersKt__BuildersKt.runBlocking(BuildersKt__Builders.kt:69)
       at kotlinx.coroutines.BuildersKt.runBlocking(Builders.kt:1)
       at kotlinx.coroutines.BuildersKt__BuildersKt.runBlocking$default(BuildersKt__Builders.kt:47)
       at kotlinx.coroutines.BuildersKt.runBlocking$default(Builders.kt:1)
       at com.okta.authfoundation.credential.Credential$Companion.store(Credential.java:308)
       at com.okta.authfoundation.credential.Credential$Companion.store$default(Credential.java:303)
       at com.example.ourapp.SomeClass$Companion.migrateAppAuthToOkta(SomeClass.kt:122)
       at com.example.ourapp.App.onCreate(App.kt:77)
       at android.app.Instrumentation.callApplicationOnCreate(Instrumentation.java:1190)
       at android.app.ActivityThread.handleMakeApplication(ActivityThread.java:7184)
       at android.app.ActivityThread.handleBindApplication(Activity.java:7134)
       at android.app.ActivityThread.access$1600(ActivityThread.java:274)
       at android.app.ActivityThread$H.handleMessage(ActivityThread.java:2102)
       at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:107)
       at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:237)
       at android.app.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:8167)
       at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java)
       at com.android.internal.os.RuntimeInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(RuntimeInit.java:496)
       at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:1100)

What is Expected to Happen?

In a normal scenario, the Okta Mobile SDK should be able to encrypt the token without any issues. However, in this case, the getPublicKey() method is being called on a null Certificate object, resulting in a NullPointerException.

What is the Actual Behavior?

The actual behavior is that the application crashes when attempting to encrypt the token using the Okta Mobile SDK.

Reproduction Steps?

Unfortunately, we have not been able to reproduce the issue ourselves.

Additional Information?

No additional information is available at this time.

SDK Version and Artifact(s) Used

The Okta Mobile SDK version used is 2.0.2.

Build Information

No build information is available at this time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NullPointerException that occurs when attempting to invoke the getPublicKey() method on a null Certificate object is a critical issue that can cause the application to crash. We recommend that developers using the Okta Mobile SDK take immediate action to resolve this issue to ensure a smooth user experience.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot this issue, we recommend the following steps:

  1. Verify that the Certificate object is not null before attempting to call the getPublicKey() method.
  2. Check the Okta Mobile SDK documentation to ensure that the Certificate object is properly initialized.
  3. If the issue persists, try updating the Okta Mobile SDK to the latest version.

Prevention

To prevent this issue from occurring in the future, we recommend the following best practices:

  1. Always verify that the Certificate object is not null before attempting to call the getPublicKey() method.
  2. Ensure that the Okta Mobile SDK is properly initialized and configured.
  3. Regularly update the Okta Mobile SDK to the latest version to ensure that any known issues are resolved.

Q: What is the cause of the "Attempt to invoke virtual method 'java.security.PublicKey java.security.cert.Certificate.getPublicKey()' on a null object reference" error?

A: The cause of this error is that the Certificate object is null when the getPublicKey() method is called. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including a null Certificate object being passed to the method or the Certificate object being initialized incorrectly.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: To prevent this error from occurring, you can take the following steps:

  1. Verify that the Certificate object is not null before attempting to call the getPublicKey() method.
  2. Ensure that the Certificate object is properly initialized and configured.
  3. Regularly update the Okta Mobile SDK to the latest version to ensure that any known issues are resolved.

Q: What are some common causes of the "Attempt to invoke virtual method 'java.security.PublicKey java.security.cert.Certificate.getPublicKey()' on a null object reference" error?

A: Some common causes of this error include:

  1. A null Certificate object being passed to the getPublicKey() method.
  2. The Certificate object being initialized incorrectly.
  3. A version conflict between the Okta Mobile SDK and the Android operating system.
  4. A configuration issue with the Okta Mobile SDK.

Q: How can I troubleshoot this error?

A: To troubleshoot this error, you can take the following steps:

  1. Verify that the Certificate object is not null before attempting to call the getPublicKey() method.
  2. Check the Okta Mobile SDK documentation to ensure that the Certificate object is properly initialized.
  3. If the issue persists, try updating the Okta Mobile SDK to the latest version.
  4. Check the Android operating system version to ensure that it is compatible with the Okta Mobile SDK.

Q: What are some best practices for preventing the "Attempt to invoke virtual method 'java.security.PublicKey java.security.cert.Certificate.getPublicKey()' on a null object reference" error?

A: Some best practices for preventing this error include:

  1. Always verify that the Certificate object is not null before attempting to call the getPublicKey() method.
  2. Ensure that the Certificate object is properly initialized and configured.
  3. Regularly update the Okta Mobile SDK to the latest version to ensure that any known issues are resolved.
  4. Use a try-catch block to catch and handle any exceptions that may occur when calling the getPublicKey() method.

Q: Can I use a try-catch block to catch and handle the "Attempt to invoke virtual method 'java.security.PublicKey java.security.cert.Certificate.getPublicKey()' on a null object reference" error?

A: Yes, you can use a try-catch block to catch and handle this error. However, it is generally recommended to prevent the error from occurring in the first place by that the Certificate object is not null before attempting to call the getPublicKey() method.

Q: What are some common solutions to the "Attempt to invoke virtual method 'java.security.PublicKey java.security.cert.Certificate.getPublicKey()' on a null object reference" error?

A: Some common solutions to this error include:

  1. Verifying that the Certificate object is not null before attempting to call the getPublicKey() method.
  2. Ensuring that the Certificate object is properly initialized and configured.
  3. Updating the Okta Mobile SDK to the latest version to ensure that any known issues are resolved.
  4. Using a try-catch block to catch and handle any exceptions that may occur when calling the getPublicKey() method.

By following these best practices and troubleshooting steps, developers can ensure a smooth user experience and prevent the "Attempt to invoke virtual method 'java.security.PublicKey java.security.cert.Certificate.getPublicKey()' on a null object reference" error from occurring.