Spring Boot 2.2.0: Where Did the /httptrace Endpoint Go?
Spring Boot 2.2.0 brought with it a significant change that caught many developers off guard: the disappearance of the /httptrace endpoint in Spring Boot Actuator. This endpoint, which provided valuable insights into the lifecycle of HTTP requests, became obsolete with this version.
The Original /httptrace Endpoint: A Look Back
In previous Spring Boot versions, the /httptrace endpoint was readily available. This endpoint allowed developers to retrieve a trace of each HTTP request processed by the application. The trace included details like:
- Request headers and body
- Response headers and body
- Request timing information
- Detailed information about the underlying filters and interceptors involved in the request handling
This information proved invaluable for debugging performance issues, identifying bottlenecks, and understanding the flow of requests within a Spring Boot application.
The Departure of /httptrace in Spring Boot 2.2.0
The rationale behind the removal of the /httptrace endpoint is rooted in security considerations. Exposing sensitive request details, such as headers and body content, in plain text could potentially compromise application security.
With the removal of /httptrace, Spring Boot 2.2.0 introduced the /httptrace/ endpoint, which provides a more secure and granular alternative. This new endpoint allows you to access individual request traces by specifying the request ID. This approach significantly reduces the risk of exposing sensitive data by providing access to only the specific request details needed.
How to Access Request Traces in Spring Boot 2.2.0 and Beyond
To access the details of a specific request trace in Spring Boot 2.2.0 and later versions, you can use the following approach:
- Identify the request ID. You can find this ID in the
X-B3-TraceIdheader of the request response or in the logs generated by your application. - Access the
/httptrace/endpoint with the request ID. For example, to access the trace for a request with the ID0000000000000001, you would use the URL/httptrace/0000000000000001. - The response will contain details of the specific request trace.
Leveraging the New Approach
The new httptrace endpoint in Spring Boot 2.2.0 might initially seem less convenient than its predecessor. However, it offers crucial security enhancements and enables granular access to individual request traces.
By incorporating security best practices and utilizing this refined approach, you can effectively monitor and debug your Spring Boot applications while safeguarding sensitive information.
Conclusion
The removal of the /httptrace endpoint in Spring Boot 2.2.0 reflects a commitment to enhanced security and improved development practices. While the change might initially feel disruptive, the new httptrace approach offers a more secure and granular method for accessing request traces, ensuring a balanced approach between observability and data protection.
Resources:
- Spring Boot Actuator Documentation: https://docs.spring.io/spring-boot/docs/current/reference/html/actuator.html
- Spring Boot Actuator Endpoints: https://spring.io/guides/gs/actuator/
- Spring Boot 2.2.0 Release Notes: https://spring.io/blog/2019/10/03/spring-boot-2-2-0-released
