Troubleshooting LDAP Integration with Control-M: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 20/06/2025

Control-M's reliance on LDAP for user authentication can lead to frustrating integration issues. This step-by-step guide provides practical solutions for troubleshooting common LDAP connectivity problems with Control-M. Learn to diagnose authentication failures, certificate errors, and directory lookup problems, streamlining your troubleshooting process and restoring seamless user access. Let's get your Control-M LDAP integration working flawlessly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Understand the Control-M/LDAP Architecture

    • Review the architecture of the LDAP integration with Control-M. Ensure no duplicate authentication requests occur, and the integration leverages Control-M's enterprise manager via DISP and/or SSO, depending on the request origin.
    Understanding the Architecture: Review the architecture of the LDAP integration with Control-M. Ensure no duplicate authentication requests occur, and the integration leverages Control-M's enterprise manager via DISP and/or SSO, depending on the request origin.
    Understand the Control-M/LDAP Architecture

  2. Configure LDAP Integration in Control-M

    • Configure the LDAP connection within Control-M Enterprise Manager. This includes setting parameters such as the LDAP directory server address, port, and base DN. Also, configure the search filter and user attributes.
    Initial Configuration: Configure the LDAP connection within Control-M Enterprise Manager. This includes setting parameters such as the LDAP directory server address, port, and base DN. Also, configure the search filter and user attributes.
    Configure LDAP Integration in Control-M

  3. Test the LDAP Connection

    • After initial configuration, test the connection using Control-M's built-in tools or utilities to verify if the connection with the LDAP server is working as expected. Check if user authentication succeeds.
    Testing the Connection: After initial configuration, test the connection using Control-M's built-in tools or utilities to verify if the connection with the LDAP server is working as expected. Check if user authentication succeeds.
    Test the LDAP Connection

  4. Troubleshoot Environmental Changes

    • If changes to the LDAP server environment impact the integration, troubleshoot by checking the configuration parameters. Ensure the settings still match the LDAP server. Review the Control-M logs for connection or authentication errors.
    Troubleshooting Environmental Changes: If changes to the LDAP server environment impact the integration, troubleshoot by checking the configuration parameters. Ensure the settings still match the LDAP server. Review the Control-M logs for connection or authentication errors.
    Troubleshoot Environmental Changes

  5. Troubleshoot Communication Problems

    • If communication errors occur, check the LDAP server's certificate. It needs to be in the correct format and imported into Control-M. Also, verify the communication port and that necessary permissions are set.
    Troubleshooting Communication Issues: If communication errors occur, check the LDAP server's certificate. It needs to be in the correct format and imported into Control-M. Also, verify the communication port and that necessary permissions are set.
    Troubleshoot Communication Problems

  6. Troubleshoot Group Membership Issues

    • If authentication fails due to group membership problems, double-check the group names in the LDAP configuration and Control-M. Ensure they are correctly specified and case-sensitive. Verify that the search scope and attribute for group membership are correctly defined.
    Troubleshooting Group Membership Issues: If authentication fails due to group membership problems, double-check the group names in the LDAP configuration and Control-M. Ensure they are correctly specified and case-sensitive. Verify that the search scope and attribute for group membership are correctly defined.
    Troubleshoot Group Membership Issues
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Tips

  • Use the correct search filter to find the necessary users and groups in the LDAP directory. Improperly formatted filters will cause authentication failures.
  • The LDAP server's certificate must be correctly configured and imported in the Control-M system. Otherwise, secure communication between the systems will fail.
  • Ensure that the group names and attributes used in LDAP are correctly defined and match the Control-M configuration. Case sensitivity is crucial.
  • Utilize Control-M's logging and monitoring capabilities to troubleshoot errors and obtain insights into the source of the issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect LDAP Server Configuration

Reason: Providing the wrong server address, port, or incorrect distinguished name (DN) prevents Control-M from connecting to the LDAP server.
Solution: Verify the LDAP server details (host, port, DN) in Control-M's configuration and ensure they match the LDAP server's settings.

2. Authentication Issues

Reason: Using an incorrect bind DN or password, or insufficient permissions for the bind DN to query LDAP for users, leads to authentication failures.
Solution: Double-check the bind DN and password, and ensure the account associated with the bind DN has the necessary read permissions in the relevant LDAP organizational units (OUs).

FAQs

My Control-M server can't connect to my LDAP server. What are the most common causes?
Several factors can prevent connection. Check first that the LDAP server address and port are correctly configured in Control-M. Verify network connectivity—ensure firewalls aren't blocking communication. Incorrect bind credentials (user/password) are a frequent culprit. Also, verify that the Control-M server has the necessary certificates if SSL/TLS is used. Double-check that the LDAP server is running and accessible from the Control-M server.