Error: Redo Log File Does Not Have a Valid Endian Magic

Issue

Oracle connection syncs fail with the following error:

ScannerError:01018:Redo log file <redo_log_path> does not have a valid endian magic (00000000)

Environment

• Connector: Oracle
• Incremental sync method: Binary Log Reader

Resolution

To resolve this issue:

1. Run the following queries to review the status of the redo log groups and files:

   SELECT g.GROUP#, g.MEMBERS, g.STATUS, g.SEQUENCE# FROM V$LOG g;
   SELECT f.GROUP#, f.MEMBER, f.STATUS FROM V$LOGFILE f;
   

2. Identify the redo log file shown in the error and verify that:

   i. The file exists and has a non-zero size.

   ii. Oracle considers the redo log member healthy.

   iii. Any other members in the same log group are available and consistent.

3. Perform database and Oracle-level validation:

   i. Work with your Oracle database administrator to perform comprehensive checks on the affected redo log file.

   ii. Confirm there are no storage-level issues or Oracle alert log messages related to the path of the redo log file.

4. If the redo log member is damaged or inconsistent, follow the procedures recommended by Oracle to repair, drop, or recreate it. A database administrator may also perform a log switch to move Oracle to a healthy redo log group.

5. Restart the incremental sync and confirm that it completes successfully.

Cause

This issue occurs when Binary Log Reader can't find a valid Oracle redo log header in the specified file. When this happens, it reads zero bytes (00000000) where it expects the redo log's endian signature.

Possible causes include:

• The redo file is empty, truncated, corrupted, or incompletely initialized.
• Oracle is clearing or recreating the redo log file.
• A multiplexed redo log member is stale or inconsistent.
• The configured redo log path is is incorrect.
• The underlying storage returns invalid data.