Juniper network connect fails after Java update – OSX

Java has it’s benefit. I don’t like it. It’s a security nightmare. But Java is used extensively for software products where companies have to ensure the same program works on multiple platforms.

Problem with Java is that if a program was written for Java 1.6 it may not work on Java 1.7 or newer.

If you happen to use Juniper SSL and if you are using a Mac, then you are very likely to stumble upon a nice surprise when connecting to a Juniper VPN after a Java update.

Juniper NC when you will get borked when you install latest security fixes from Apple updates. Reason why you won’t know that you will have problems with Java and NC is because there is no warrning that old applications may stop working.

Error message when logging in via browser: Java plugin required.
If you click on a grayed out area (missing plugin), you are redirected to Oracle Java webpage where they suggest installing the latest Oracle Java version.
If you install Oracle Java 1.7 Juniper Network Connect won’t work.

Network Connect program is stored on a Juniper SSL device. If IT department didn’t update firmware to the latest version, you can’t update as well. (If firmware is updated, you are given an option to update the Juniper Network Connect). The other option to update the Juniper NC is to access Juniper website. The thing is, you don’t have access to download location unless you are registered member. Problem is even more severe if IT doesn’t give a sh*t about your latest Mac OS update and won’t give you latest Network Connect release or provide you with a download location.

In the past Apple maintained Java packages. They decided that Oracle will be better at keeping Java secure, that’s why they disabled Java version 6 and forwarded all requests to Oracle Java website.

What you need to do to fix Juniper Network Connect problem is to re-enable old Apple Java.
It’s easy to fix it:

• Open Terminal, located in the Utilities folder.
• Enter this command, then press the Return or Enter key:

sudo mkdir -p /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/disabled

• Enter the following command, then press the Return or Enter key:

sudo mv /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/disabled

• Enter the following command, then press the Return or Enter key:

sudo ln -sf /System/Library/Java/Support/Deploy.bundle/Contents/Resources/JavaPlugin2_NPAPI.plugin /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

• To re-enable Java SE 6 Web Start, enter this command, then press the Return or Enter key:

sudo ln -sf /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Commands/javaws /usr/bin/javaws

start Network Connect and you will be greeted with a window you missed so much.

Where to download Juniper Network Connect for OSX

In case you are using old version and would like to update to the latest Network Connect release, there are several options:

• Update from Juniper SSL device
• Ask your IT department for the latest version
• Search in Google for latest release

Juniper Network Connect download locations for OS X Yosemite:

•  Juniper Network Connect v. 7.4 r2 MEGA link
• Juniper Network Connect v. 7.3 r3  MEGA link
• Juniper Network Connect v. 7.2 r4  MEGA link

You can also search in Google where you will find links to download locations on various Universities or institutions where they are keeping their users updated with the latest releases.