Kibana Bug: Endpoint Scan Button Loads Old Results

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Kibana Bug: Endpoint Scan Button Loads Old Results

Have you ever encountered a situation where a scan button in a system automatically loads and displays outdated results? It can be pretty frustrating, especially when you're trying to troubleshoot an issue. This article dives deep into a specific bug encountered in Kibana, where the scan button auto-loads and displays outdated scan results when an endpoint flyout is opened. Let's explore the details of this bug, the steps to reproduce it, and the expected versus actual results.

Describe the Bug

Guys, imagine this: you're using Kibana, and every time you open an endpoint, the Scan button in the Automatic Troubleshooting flyout starts loading all by itself. Sounds a bit weird, right? But here's the kicker – it doesn't actually perform a new scan. Instead, it's like it's stuck in a time warp. If you previously scanned an agent when it was unhealthy and got an error message, that same error message pops up again and again, even after the agent is back to tip-top shape! It’s as if the system is holding onto old news, which isn’t very helpful when you're trying to get a real-time view of things. This can lead to confusion and wasted time as you try to figure out what’s really going on with your endpoints. The core issue is that the scan button's behavior isn't intuitive; it gives the impression of activity without providing fresh data, which can mislead users. To make matters worse, this outdated information persists until you manually trigger a new scan, adding an extra step to your troubleshooting process. This bug highlights the importance of ensuring that user interfaces accurately reflect the current state of the system, especially in critical areas like endpoint health monitoring.

Testing Details

Build Details

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of reproducing this bug, let's talk shop about the environment where it was found. This bug was spotted in a snapshot version of Kibana, specifically:

  • Version: 9.3.0 Snapshot
  • Build: 92510
  • Commit: 195b98ec2ef41b425a73560fbc26c61230721dad

Knowing the exact build details is super important because it helps developers pinpoint where the bug might have been introduced. It's like having a map to the bug's hideout! This level of detail ensures that any fixes can be targeted and effective, preventing the same issue from cropping up in future releases. Plus, if you're running a similar setup, you know you might be in the bug's territory too. Identifying the specific version and build allows for focused testing and debugging efforts, ultimately leading to a more stable and reliable software product. Think of it as detective work – the more clues you have, the easier it is to solve the mystery!

Preconditions

Alright, so before you can go hunting for this bug, there are a few things you need to have in place. Think of these as the "ingredients" for our bug-finding recipe:

  • Kibana version 9.3.0: You gotta be running this specific version (or a snapshot like the one mentioned above) for the bug to show its face.
  • User Access: You need to be a user who has the keys to the Endpoints section in Kibana. No peeking if you don't have the right permissions!
  • Troubleshooting Flyout Access: You also need access to the Automatic troubleshooting flyout. This is where the magic (or rather, the bug) happens.
  • Unhealthy Agent: Last but not least, you need an unhealthy agent. This is like the patient zero in our bug investigation. If all agents are healthy, there won't be any old error messages to display.

These preconditions ensure that everyone is on the same page and can consistently reproduce the bug. By setting these prerequisites, we create a controlled environment where the bug's behavior can be reliably observed and documented. This is crucial for effective bug reporting and resolution, as it eliminates variables that could complicate the process. In essence, it's about setting the stage for a successful bug hunt!

Steps to Reproduce

Okay, folks, let's get down to business! Here are the steps you need to follow to make this bug appear:

  1. Login: First, log in to Kibana with a user account that has the privileges we talked about earlier.
  2. Navigate: Go to the Endpoints tab. This is where we'll be doing our bug wrangling.
  3. Select Endpoint: Pick any endpoint from the list. It doesn't really matter which one for this bug.
  4. Add Connector & Scan: Now, add a connector and click that shiny Scan button. This is where we might see an error message if our agent is feeling under the weather.
  5. Observe Error: If the agent is unhealthy, you should see an error message. Take note of this, because it's the ghost we're trying to get rid of.
  6. Make Agent Healthy: Now, nurse that unhealthy agent back to health! Whatever you need to do to make it happy again.
  7. Re-Navigate: Go back to the Endpoints tab and open the same endpoint again. This is where the bug likes to hang out.
  8. Observe Loading: Keep your eyes peeled! When the flyout opens, the Scan button will probably be stuck in a loading state, like it's thinking really hard but not actually doing anything.

By following these steps, you should be able to consistently reproduce the bug and see the outdated scan results. Each step is designed to lead you closer to the bug's lair, making it easier to confirm its presence and understand its behavior. This clear, step-by-step approach is essential for effective bug reporting, as it allows developers to quickly replicate the issue and begin working on a solution.

Actual Result

So, what actually happens when you follow those steps? Well, here's the lowdown:

  • Auto-Loading Scan Button: The Scan button starts spinning its wheels automatically when you open the endpoint flyout. It's like it's eager to scan, but it's just going through the motions.
  • Outdated Error Message: The old error message from the previous unhealthy state is still hanging around, even though the agent is now healthy. It's like the system has a bad case of déjà vu.

This means that the user interface isn't accurately reflecting the current state of the agent. The auto-loading button gives a false impression of activity, and the outdated error message can lead to confusion and unnecessary troubleshooting. It’s like getting a weather report from last week – not very helpful! This discrepancy between the actual state and the displayed information is the core of the bug, highlighting the importance of real-time data synchronization in user interfaces.

Expected Result

Now, let's talk about what should happen. In a perfect world (or, you know, a bug-free application):

  • No Auto-Loading: The Scan button should chill out and not start loading unless you actually click it. It should be polite and wait for your command.
  • Fresh Results: The flyout should show the current state of the agent, without any old baggage. Previous scan results should be a thing of the past.

In essence, the system should provide an accurate and up-to-date view of the endpoint's health. The Scan button should only spring into action when explicitly asked, and any displayed information should reflect the current status. This ensures that users can trust the interface and make informed decisions based on the data presented. The expected result is a clean, intuitive experience that doesn't mislead or confuse the user, ultimately leading to more efficient troubleshooting and management of endpoints.

Screen Capture

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/934b093f-d8cc-45db-a3e4-f78a8ce75480

Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words, right? The screen capture vividly demonstrates the bug in action. You can clearly see the Scan button stuck in its perpetual loading state and the outdated error message stubbornly clinging to the screen. This visual evidence serves as a powerful confirmation of the bug's existence and its impact on the user interface. By providing a clear visual representation, the screen capture makes it easier for developers to understand the issue and its context, ultimately expediting the debugging and resolution process. It’s like having a photograph of the culprit – it makes identification much easier!

Logs

N/A

Unfortunately, in this particular case, there aren't any relevant logs to pore over. Sometimes, the absence of logs can be just as telling as their presence. It might indicate that the issue isn't being properly recorded or that the bug is occurring at a level where logging isn't implemented. While logs can be invaluable for debugging, their absence doesn't necessarily hinder the process. In this instance, the clear steps to reproduce and the visual evidence provided by the screen capture offer a solid foundation for troubleshooting. However, the lack of logs highlights the importance of comprehensive logging practices to ensure that potential issues are captured and can be effectively addressed in the future.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! We've taken a deep dive into this Kibana bug where the endpoint scan button auto-loads outdated scan results. From describing the bug and detailing the build specifics to outlining the reproduction steps and contrasting the actual versus expected results, we've covered all the bases. This bug highlights the importance of ensuring that user interfaces accurately reflect the current state of the system, preventing confusion and streamlining the troubleshooting process. While this particular bug might seem like a small glitch, it underscores the critical role of thorough testing and attention to detail in software development. By identifying and addressing such issues, we can create more reliable and user-friendly applications. Keep an eye out for those auto-loading buttons and outdated messages, and happy bug hunting!