we are getting uncategorizedMongoDB exception

while we deployed our java application with

MongoDB driver version 3.12.X on Kubernetes
suggest a solution
You are encountering an "uncategorized MongoDB exception" after deploying your Java
application with the MongoDB driver version 3.12.x on Kubernetes. This is a common type of
integration problem, and the underlying causes are typically related to the environment, security
(TLS/SSL), or dependency configuration. Here’s a clear, step-by-step troubleshooting and
resolution guide based on best practices and known issues:
Main Causes and Solutions

1. Environment and Connection Issues in Kubernetes

Networking: Ensure your Kubernetes pods can reach your MongoDB service (hostname,
port, firewall, and DNS configuration).
Connection String: Double-check your MongoDB URI — use DNS names or Kubernetes
service names as appropriate.

2. TLS/SSL and Certificates

If your MongoDB deployment uses SSL/TLS with self-signed certificates, Java may reject
the connection unless the certificate is explicitly trusted.
The error message usually mentions SSLHandshakeException, PKIX path validation failed, or
issues similar to: "path does not chain with any of the trust anchors". [1] [2]
Resolution:
Import the CA certificate used to sign MongoDB's server certificate into the Java trust
store within the Kubernetes deployment. You can do this with the keytool utility:
keytool -import -trustcacerts -file mongodbca.pem -keystore $JAVA_HOME/lib/securi

Remember to mount the updated trust store into your container or rebuild your image
with it.
Alternatively, configure your connection with the following Java system properties (as
Kubernetes environment variables):
-Djavax.net.ssl.trustStore=/path/to/cacerts
 -Djavax.net.ssl.trustStorePassword=changeit

For development only: You may temporarily set your driver to allow invalid certificates
(invalidHostNameAllowed(true)), but do not use this in production. [1]

3. Dependency Issues
With MongoDB Java driver 3.12.x, ensure that all required driver jars are present. The
minimum needed are:
bson-3.12.x.jar

mongodb-driver-core-3.12.x.jar

mongodb-driver-sync-3.12.x.jar

When using Maven or Gradle, ensure that only one major version is present, and exclude
any transitive old drivers that might conflict. [3] [4] [5]

4. Handling Uncaught Exceptions

Some MongoDB driver exceptions are thrown in background threads (connection pools,
monitoring, etc.) and may show up as "uncategorized". [6]
Make sure your application's global exception handling captures and logs exceptions from
all threads.
Set the connection pool size appropriately (too small or no resources in a pod may cause
timeouts and uncategorized errors in driver logs).

5. Recommended Steps
1. Trust the Certificate: Add your MongoDB CA certificate to the Java truststore inside your
Kubernetes pod.
2. Check Connection URI: Use the correct format and set all driver options explicitly,
especially if you use SSL/TLS:
MongoClientSettings settings = MongoClientSettings.builder()
.applyConnectionString(new ConnectionString("mongodb://host:port/?tls=true"))
.applyToSslSettings(builder -> {
builder.enabled(true);
builder.invalidHostNameAllowed(false); // true only for testing
})
.build();
MongoClient client = MongoClients.create(settings);

3. Dependencies: Clean up your project dependencies to use only the intended version of the
driver. Use Maven’s dependency tree tool or similar to verify.
4. Logs & Monitoring: Increase the log verbosity of both your pod and the MongoDB cluster
to get a more precise exception; this often reveals certificate or connectivity root causes.
5. Driver Upgrade: If you're able, consider upgrading to the latest MongoDB driver in the 3.12
line (e.g., 3.12.13 or later), as several critical bugs are patched in these releases. [7] [8]
If the issue persists after following these steps:
Reproduce the error and paste the full stack trace; often, uncategorized exceptions include
a root cause in their suppressed or nested exceptions.
Check for any Kubernetes networking policies or node restrictions.
Try connecting to MongoDB from a simple Java pod in the same namespace using the same
driver and TLS settings to isolate the problem.
If you need further help or this remains unresolved, escalate by opening an IT help desk ticket
with:
Your pom.xml dependency section,
Full Java stack trace,
Description of your MongoDB deployment (including version, SSL/TLS enabled, and
connection string details, omitting passwords).
Summary Table: Typical Resolutions

Issue Resolution

SSL/TLS with self-signed certificate Import CA to Java truststore in container [1] [2]

Multiple driver versions present Ensure only one version in your dependencies [3] [4]

Background thread exceptions Use global/logging handlers and check logs for cause [6]

General connection failure in K8s Verify network, DNS, and service exposure in cluster

Outdated/faulty driver version Upgrade within the 3.12.x series to most recent bug-fixed version [7]

Apply the steps above and your issue should be resolved or, at the very least, you’ll have a
much narrower scope for debugging.
⁂

1. https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-driver-java-with-tls-not-working-self-signe
d-certificate/311814
2. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/61250882/sslhandshakefailed-on-mongodb-server-while-trying-to
-connect-through-java-driver
3. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/60215489/mongodb-java-connection-in-mongodb-java-driver-3-1
2-1
4. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/70609587/mongo-java-driver-upgrade-from-3-12-1-to-4-2-3-thr
owing-method-class-not-found-e
5. https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/connecting-to-my-database-with-java/8348
6. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/35747867/exceptions-not-being-handled-correctly-with-mongodb
-java-driver
7. https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-java-driver-3-12-13-released/221170
8. https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-java-driver-3-12-11-released/159538