Notifications are successful but error thrown: U00050005 ... STARTTLS requested by server but client is set to PLAIN

Products

• CA Automic Workload Automation - Automation Engine
• CA Automic One Automation

Issue/Introduction

When using a SEND_MAIL command or sending an email notification via CALL object using a PLAIN SMTP server, the email is sent without any problems, but the following error shows up in the WP logs for every email sent:

U00050005 Error when establishing SMTP connection: 'STARTTLS requested by server but client is set to PLAIN' (SMTP server: 'smtp.example.com')

Environment

Automation Engine 24.X

Cause

This is an unnecessary error message that should just be a warning instead.

Resolution

There is no functional impact with this message.  Instead, it is meant to be a warning message that explains that a more secure option like STARTTLS is available and that PLAIN is not as secure.  

A fix is planned to be released with the Automation Engine component in 24.4.1