ora-28374 typed master key not found in wallet

Guri Bee

3 min read

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01-10-2024

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The Oracle Database provides a secure environment for data protection through various encryption mechanisms. However, administrators often encounter issues that can hinder the smooth operation of encrypted database environments. One such issue is the error message: ORA-28374: typed master key not found in wallet. In this article, we will delve into this error, its causes, potential solutions, and best practices for managing your Oracle Wallet.

What is ORA-28374?

The ORA-28374 error occurs when Oracle attempts to retrieve an encryption master key from the wallet, but the specific key required is not found. This typically indicates an issue with the configuration of your Oracle Wallet or the keys it contains.

Causes of ORA-28374

1. Missing Key: The most straightforward cause is that the master key you are trying to access has not been created or was not saved correctly in the wallet.

2. Corrupted Wallet: If the wallet file has been corrupted or damaged, it may not be able to retrieve any keys.

3. Wrong Wallet Location: The database may be pointing to the wrong wallet file location, where the desired key does not exist.

4. Wallet Not Opened: The wallet must be opened to access its contents. If it's not opened, you may receive this error.

5. Mismatched Password: If the wallet was created with a password and you are using a different password to access it, the necessary keys won't be accessible.

Troubleshooting ORA-28374

Steps to Resolve the Error

1. Verify Wallet Location: Ensure that the Oracle database is configured to point to the correct wallet. You can verify the wallet location with the following SQL command:

   SHOW PARAMETER wallet_location;
   

2. Open the Wallet: If the wallet is not opened, it can be done using the following command:

   ADMINISTER KEY MANAGEMENT SET KEYSTORE OPEN IDENTIFIED BY "your_wallet_password";
   

3. Check for Existing Master Key: To verify if the desired master key exists in the wallet, run:

   SELECT * FROM V$ENCRYPTION_KEYS;
   

4. Create a New Master Key: If the required master key is missing, create a new one:

   ADMINISTER KEY MANAGEMENT SET ENCRYPTION KEY IDENTIFIED BY "your_wallet_password" WITH BACKUP;
   

5. Wallet Integrity: Check the integrity of the wallet file. If you suspect corruption, it may be necessary to restore the wallet from a backup.

6. Audit Permissions: Ensure that the Oracle user has the necessary permissions to access the wallet.

Practical Example

Imagine a scenario where a database administrator tries to decrypt data but encounters the ORA-28374 error. After following the troubleshooting steps, they realize that the wallet was never opened in the current session. They execute the command to open the wallet successfully, and the decryption process resumes without further errors.

Best Practices for Managing Oracle Wallet

• Regular Backups: Always maintain backups of your wallet and its keys. This ensures that if a wallet becomes corrupted, you can restore it quickly.

• Document Key Creation: Keep a detailed record of when and why keys are created. This will help you manage keys more effectively.

• Automate Wallet Management: Use scripts to automate wallet opening and closing during database startup and shutdown procedures.

• Encryption Policies: Regularly review and update your encryption policies to align with best security practices.

Conclusion

The ORA-28374 error, while common, can often be resolved with proper troubleshooting and management of the Oracle Wallet. By understanding the underlying causes and following best practices, you can minimize disruptions caused by this error and maintain a secure environment for your data.

Further Reading

For additional resources, consider checking Oracle’s official documentation on Data Encryption and Key Management.

By effectively managing your Oracle Wallet and understanding the causes of errors like ORA-28374, you can ensure your database remains secure and efficient.

References

• Original questions and answers regarding the ORA-28374 error can be found on GitHub discussions and forums, providing real-world examples and solutions from various contributors.