How to Fix 'SunCertPathBuilderException' in Maven Projects

Creating a new Maven project can often lead to a few irritating issues, such as the absence of a JRE System Library and encountering the 'SunCertPathBuilderException'. If you're facing these problems while setting up your Java project, don’t worry! In this article, we will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve these issues, ensuring that your new Maven setup includes the essential JRE System Library and the appropriate Build Path options. Why Are You Encountering These Issues? Absence of JRE System Library The JRE System Library is a crucial component for any Java project, as it provides access to the core classes necessary for finding, compiling, and running your Java application. When creating a new Maven project, if you don't see this library listed, it may indicate that your IDE is not properly configured to recognize the Java version that is installed on your system or that it has issues with the Maven configuration. The 'SunCertPathBuilderException' Error This error usually occurs due to a problem with SSL certificates, particularly when your Java application tries to connect to a server that uses an HTTPS connection. Java doesn't trust the SSL certificate provided by the server due to it being self-signed or not trusted by the Java keystore. Therefore, when you create a new Maven project that tries to connect to external repositories, you may encounter this exception. Step-by-Step Solutions to Troubleshoot Maven Project Issues Configuring JRE System Library To ensure that the JRE System Library is included in your new Maven project, follow these steps: Step 1: Check Java Installation Ensure that you have Java installed correctly on your system. You can verify this by running the following command in your terminal: java -version This command should return the installed JRE version. If it doesn’t, you may need to install Java or configure your PATH environment variable. Step 2: Configure IDE Settings Open your IDE (such as IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse). Go to Preferences/Settings → Build, Execution, Deployment → Compiler. Check if the JDK location is correctly set to the folder where Java is installed. If not, set it to the correct JDK path. Also, ensure the JDK is added in Project Structure (in IntelliJ IDEA) or build path (in Eclipse). Step 3: Update Project Configuration For Eclipse: Right-click your project in the Project Explorer. Select Configure → Convert to Maven Project. This ensures that Maven dependencies and libraries are set correctly. Then check the JRE System Library under Libraries in your project's properties. For IntelliJ IDEA: Right-click on your project and select Add Framework Support. Choose Maven and ensure that a suitable JDK is selected. Fixing 'SunCertPathBuilderException' To fix the 'SunCertPathBuilderException', you need to import the missing SSL certificate into your Java keystore: Step 1: Download the Certificate Open your web browser and navigate to the server issuing the certificate. Click on the padlock icon in the address bar to view the certificate details. Export or download the certificate in .cer format. Step 2: Import the Certificate into the Java Keystore Open a command prompt. Navigate to the location of the Java bin directory where keytool is located. Run the following command to import the certificate: keytool -import -alias myserver -keystore cacerts -file path/to/your/cerfile.cer You will need the path to the cacerts file, which is usually in the lib/security directory of your JDK installation. When prompted, type 'yes' to accept the certificate. Final Steps Now that you have configured the JRE System Library and imported the SSL certificate, restart your IDE and rebuild your project. You should now find that: Your project includes the JRE System Library. The 'Build Path' option is available when you right-click the project. Frequently Asked Questions Q1: Why is my Maven project still not displaying the JRE System Library? A1: Ensure that your IDE is correctly linked to the right JDK version. Check the IDE's project settings to confirm. Q2: I got an error when importing the certificate. What should I do? A2: Make sure you have permission to write to the keystore, and that you are using the correct password (default is 'changeit'). Q3: How can I check if my dependencies are correctly resolved in Maven? A3: Run mvn clean install from your project directory in the terminal. This will ensure all dependencies are downloaded and properly set up. Conclusion By following the steps outlined above, you can resolve the issues of missing JRE System Library and fix the 'SunCertPathBuilderException' that may interrupt the creation and execution of your Maven project. These adjustments will enhance your development environment and help you smooth out your Java project setup.

May 5, 2025 - 12:45

How to Fix 'SunCertPathBuilderException' in Maven Projects

Creating a new Maven project can often lead to a few irritating issues, such as the absence of a JRE System Library and encountering the 'SunCertPathBuilderException'. If you're facing these problems while setting up your Java project, don’t worry! In this article, we will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve these issues, ensuring that your new Maven setup includes the essential JRE System Library and the appropriate Build Path options.

Why Are You Encountering These Issues?

Absence of JRE System Library

The JRE System Library is a crucial component for any Java project, as it provides access to the core classes necessary for finding, compiling, and running your Java application. When creating a new Maven project, if you don't see this library listed, it may indicate that your IDE is not properly configured to recognize the Java version that is installed on your system or that it has issues with the Maven configuration.

The 'SunCertPathBuilderException' Error

This error usually occurs due to a problem with SSL certificates, particularly when your Java application tries to connect to a server that uses an HTTPS connection. Java doesn't trust the SSL certificate provided by the server due to it being self-signed or not trusted by the Java keystore. Therefore, when you create a new Maven project that tries to connect to external repositories, you may encounter this exception.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Troubleshoot Maven Project Issues

Configuring JRE System Library

To ensure that the JRE System Library is included in your new Maven project, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Java Installation

Ensure that you have Java installed correctly on your system. You can verify this by running the following command in your terminal:

java -version

This command should return the installed JRE version. If it doesn’t, you may need to install Java or configure your PATH environment variable.

Step 2: Configure IDE Settings

Open your IDE (such as IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse).
Go to Preferences/Settings → Build, Execution, Deployment → Compiler.
Check if the JDK location is correctly set to the folder where Java is installed.
If not, set it to the correct JDK path.
Also, ensure the JDK is added in Project Structure (in IntelliJ IDEA) or build path (in Eclipse).

Step 3: Update Project Configuration

For Eclipse:
1. Right-click your project in the Project Explorer.
2. Select Configure → Convert to Maven Project. This ensures that Maven dependencies and libraries are set correctly.
3. Then check the JRE System Library under Libraries in your project's properties.
For IntelliJ IDEA:
1. Right-click on your project and select Add Framework Support.
2. Choose Maven and ensure that a suitable JDK is selected.

Fixing 'SunCertPathBuilderException'

To fix the 'SunCertPathBuilderException', you need to import the missing SSL certificate into your Java keystore:

Step 1: Download the Certificate

Open your web browser and navigate to the server issuing the certificate.
Click on the padlock icon in the address bar to view the certificate details.
Export or download the certificate in .cer format.

Step 2: Import the Certificate into the Java Keystore

Open a command prompt.
Navigate to the location of the Java bin directory where keytool is located.
Run the following command to import the certificate:

keytool -import -alias myserver -keystore cacerts -file path/to/your/cerfile.cer

You will need the path to the cacerts file, which is usually in the lib/security directory of your JDK installation.
When prompted, type 'yes' to accept the certificate.

Final Steps

Now that you have configured the JRE System Library and imported the SSL certificate, restart your IDE and rebuild your project. You should now find that:

Your project includes the JRE System Library.
The 'Build Path' option is available when you right-click the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why is my Maven project still not displaying the JRE System Library?

A1: Ensure that your IDE is correctly linked to the right JDK version. Check the IDE's project settings to confirm.

Q2: I got an error when importing the certificate. What should I do?

A2: Make sure you have permission to write to the keystore, and that you are using the correct password (default is 'changeit').

Q3: How can I check if my dependencies are correctly resolved in Maven?

A3: Run mvn clean install from your project directory in the terminal. This will ensure all dependencies are downloaded and properly set up.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you can resolve the issues of missing JRE System Library and fix the 'SunCertPathBuilderException' that may interrupt the creation and execution of your Maven project. These adjustments will enhance your development environment and help you smooth out your Java project setup.