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Status Functionality already exists
Workspace Db2 for z/OS
Created by Guest
Created on Jan 5, 2021

new accounting trace field to indicate if distributed connection was secure or not

We have recently enabled the SECPORT in all our Db2 subsystem. And now it is possible for a distributed client to use the SECPORT (instead of TCPPORT) and establish a secure SSL/TLS connection to the Db2.

Great.

Ideally, I would like to shut down the unsecure TCPPORT in the future. It would make some auditor or security people happy.

I would imagine that many Db2 shops in the world are beginning to have the requirement for all clients to exclusively use TLS/SSL and the SECPORT. This seems very likely to me. And therefore,, IBM and Db2 should make it easier for us to make this transition!

Of course, I will do my best to give client config updates and instructions to all known client computers of Db2. This is my first step.

But some people will not receive instructions or not follow instructions.

I would like some assistance from Db2 in knowing who is using a secure or regular connection to Db2!

I have learned that some IFCIDS like 180 exist and give the Db2 port (thanks to Norbert Jenninger via IDUG-listserv). But this is an expensive trace to run and a hassle to effectively report.

I think it is reasonable for the Db2 accounting trace to include some new field/indicator to indicate if the distributed/DRDA connection was secure or not.

Or give me some information in the accounting trace that will help me easily identify who is using a secure connection.

With this new accounting information, I should be able to automate a search of my client computers and how they connect. This will help me reach the end-users who do not update their client config and then go encourage them to update their computer.

Of course, after this new information is available in accounting trace … then I want the OMEGAMON XE for DB2 performance database (db2pmfacct_general) to be updated to accept this new information.

The benefit of this idea is that it will help me more quickly identify all clients who do not update their config. Otherwise, there is a risk, when I turn off TCPPORT, that some important client (who ignored me) breaks and we have problem.

Needed by Date Jul 15, 2021
  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Jun 20, 2022


    It has been a year since you have told me that my idea is rejected because functionality already exists. But I now feel I should provide you the feedback that your proposed allternatie of using IFCID 365 works but is very hard to use. IFCID is part of the statistics trace. It is just telling me that this IP had someone who used Db2 in the statistics interval and they used SSL. Fine... but it is not telling me the userid or application name or workstation name. All I know is the IP so I have to do some searching elsewhere to find useful information about the person or computer name.

    It would be much easier if this SSL info was part of the accounting trace. Even just a flag.


    But OK...



  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Mar 30, 2021

    Thank you for your recent comment... I made this RFE before I properly understood the new APAR PH16111 and the implications on how that provides my required information... I understand...


    You can go ahead and close this RFE from me!


    regards,

    Brian


  • Admin
    Janet Figone
    Reply
    |
    Mar 30, 2021

    Thank you for submitting this Db2 for z/OS enhancement request. Development has reviewed it and determined that the IFCID 365 record contains detailed statistics about the remote location with which a Db2 subsystem communicates. The DSNDQLST- QLSTNTLS field in section QWT02R2O of IFCID 365 record contains this information. Delivered by APAR PH16111. Therefore, we are closing this idea as function already exists.

    We appreciate your input to the Db2 for z/OS development team. We also hope that you will continue to submit ideas for improvements as customer feedback is a key component to shaping the future direction of Db2 for z/OS.

    Sincerely,

    Db2 for z/OS Team