Failed to connect to datasource SiteMinder Data Source when starting the Policy Server

Products

• SITEMINDER
• CA Single Sign-On

Issue/Introduction

Running Policy Server, when starting, this one reports the error:

[CSmDbUtilities.cpp:465][ERROR][sm-Odbc-00060] Failed to connect to datasource '<datasource>'.
[SmObjProvider.cpp:188][ERROR][sm-Server-03090] Policy store failed operation 'Save'  for object type 'RootConfig' . Unexpected error in database interface. Error code -1063
[SmObjStore.cpp:1537][INFO][sm-Server-00060] Object store released
[SmPolicyServer.cpp:867][ERROR][sm-Server-00450] Failed to initialize policy store 

After checking, it looks like some activities have been carried out on the database, specifically the cleaning of some directories that had reached full capacity.

The SM console reports the following error:

"Failure.SiteMinder cannot access the following data sources: <datasource>: Unexpected error in database interface. Error code 1063".

Cause

The odbc test tool from the Policy Server reports that the password has expired (1):

# ./bin/odbctest -dsn '<datasource>' -table 'smagent5' -uid <uid> -pwd <password> -v
CA, Inc.      ODBC Test Tool. (./bin/odbctest)

 dsn = '<datasource>'
 user id = '<uid>'
 table = 'smagent5'

- Size of Universal Character Set character is 1
- Allocating the environment
- Allocating data source connection info
- Connecting to <datasource>
SQLConnect: Failed...
- return code = -1 reported
2026-02-13 08:52:44 AM SQL_ERROR SQLState: 6 Native Error: 28001 Message:
[CA SSO][ODBC 20101 driver][20101]ORA-28001: the password has expired
Disconnecting

To fix this, the password for the user to connect to the ODBC Policy Store needs to be changed, ensuring that the new password will be correctly set in the smconsole too.

The password change should occur in the ODBC database.

Resolution

Get in touch with the DBA to reset the password of the user <uid> on the ODBC database;

Adjust the <uid> password in the Policy Server smconsole accordingly.

Additional Information

1. ORA-28001: The password has expired