DSN-less SQL Server driver 18 ODBC connections fail for GT Datamaker

Products

• CA Test Data Manager (Data Finder / Grid Tools)

Issue/Introduction

After upgrading to TDM 4.10 we started seeing our DSN-less ODBC connection failing in GT Datamaker.

When we try using the "SQL Server Native Client 11.0" we see the following error:

SQLSTATE=08001 - Encryption not supported on the client.

 

If we switch to the "ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server" driver, we see the following error:

SQLSTATE=08001 - SSL Provider: The certificate chain was not issued by an authority that is not trusted

Environment

Release : 4.10 and up

Component : TDM Web Portal

Cause

1. When trying to use the 'SQL Server Native Client 11.0', the SQL Server connection failed due to SQLSTATE=08001 - Encryption not supported on the client.
   
   This is because the Native 11 driver does not support secure connections to SQL Server. If the SQL Server is configured for SSL encrypted connections, you must use the newer 'ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server' driver.
   
   
   
2. When trying the 'ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server' driver, the connection failed due to SQLSTATE=08001 - SSL Provider: The certificate chain was not issued by an authority that is not trusted.
   
   This is because the SQL Server is using a self-signed certificate, or does not contain a certificate chain from a trusted authority.

Resolution

To resolve the non-trusted certificate, modify the ODBC-less connection profile in GT Datamaker and added the following additional parameter (Other Parameters): TrustServerCertificate=Yes