Resolving Invalid DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL Package in Oracle Database

Overview

The DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL package plays a key role in Oracle Database by managing audit operations. However, when this package becomes invalid, it can affect database auditing and system stability. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to diagnose and fix these invalid state issues effectively.

Problem Identification

First, let’s identify whether the DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL package is causing problems. When it’s in an invalid state, you’ll likely encounter compilation errors or audit issues.

Step 1: Try to Recompile

Initially, attempt to recompile both the package specification and body:

ALTER PACKAGE SYS.DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL COMPILE;
ALTER PACKAGE SYS.DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL COMPILE BODY;

Step 2: Look for Compilation Errors

If the recompilation fails, you’ll need to examine the specific errors. To do this, run the following query:

SELECT * FROM DBA_ERRORS 
WHERE OWNER = 'SYS' 
AND NAME = 'DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL';

Common Error Output:

Solution: Package Recreation

When simple recompilation doesn’t work, the best approach is to recreate the package using Oracle’s source scripts. Therefore, we’ll walk through this process step by step.

Prerequisites

⚠️ Important: These operations need SYSDBA privileges and should be done during a maintenance window. Additionally, make sure you have a current database backup before you start.

Understanding Oracle’s System Scripts

Before we begin, it’s essential to understand the Oracle-provided scripts we’ll use. These aren’t user-created files—instead, they’re part of your Oracle installation.

Oracle Package Naming Convention

Oracle uses a specific naming pattern for system packages in the $ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/admin/ directory. Here’s what you need to know:

Breaking Down the File Names:

To clarify, here’s what each part means:

• dbms prefix = “Database Management System” (used for package specifications)
• prvt prefix = “Private” (used for package body implementations)
• audutl = Short form of “Audit Utility”
• .sql extension = SQL script file
• .plb extension = “PL/SQL Body” file

📝 Important Note: These are Oracle-supplied system files, not custom scripts you create. They come installed with your Oracle Database in $ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/admin/. Moreover, you should NEVER modify these files directly since Oracle maintains them and updates them through patches.

Finding the Scripts on Your System

On Linux/Unix systems:

$ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/admin/dbmsaudutl.sql
$ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/admin/prvtaudutl.plb

Example full path:

/u01/app/oracle/product/19.0.0/dbhome_1/rdbms/admin/dbmsaudutl.sql

On Windows systems:

%ORACLE_HOME%\rdbms\admin\dbmsaudutl.sql
%ORACLE_HOME%\rdbms\admin\prvtaudutl.plb

Example full path:

C:\app\oracle\product\19.0.0\dbhome_1\rdbms\admin\dbmsaudutl.sql

Recreation Steps

Now that we understand the scripts, let’s proceed with the recreation process.

Step 1: Recreate the Package Specification

First, run the following command:

@$ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/admin/dbmsaudutl.sql

This Oracle-supplied script creates the package specification (public interface) for DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL. In other words, the specification defines all publicly accessible procedures and functions.

Step 2: Recreate the Package Body

Next, execute this script:

@$ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/admin/prvtaudutl.plb

This Oracle-supplied script creates the package body (private implementation) for DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL. Consequently, the body contains the actual code that implements the procedures and functions.

Step 3: Compile the Package Body

Finally, run this compilation command:

ALTER PACKAGE SYS.DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL COMPILE BODY;

This final step ensures the package body is properly compiled and synchronized with the specification.

Complete Test Case Example

Below, we’ll walk through a complete example demonstrating the issue and how to resolve it.

Initial State (Valid Package)

First, check the current state of all related objects:

SELECT owner, object_name, object_type, status, oracle_maintained 
FROM dba_objects 
WHERE object_name LIKE '%DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL%';

Output:

OWNER      OBJECT_NAME          OBJECT_TYPE      STATUS    ORACLE_MAINTAINED
---------- -------------------- ---------------- --------- -----------------
SYS        DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL      PACKAGE          VALID     Y
PUBLIC     DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL      SYNONYM          VALID     Y
SYS        DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL_LIB  LIBRARY          VALID     Y
SYS        DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL      PACKAGE BODY     VALID     Y

Simulating the Problem

To demonstrate the fix, we’ll simulate the issue by dropping the package:

DROP PACKAGE DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL;

Result: After this, the package is dropped and the synonym becomes invalid.

Resolution Process

Now, let’s fix the invalid package step by step.

1. (Optional) Run the cataudit.sql script for complete audit setup:

@$ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/admin/cataudit.sql

ℹ️ What is cataudit.sql? This is another Oracle-supplied script that sets up the complete audit infrastructure. The name stands for “Catalog Audit” (where “cat” means catalog). Although this step is optional, it’s recommended for a complete audit system refresh.

2. Create the package body:

@$ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/admin/prvtaudutl.plb

📝 Note: At this stage, you may see a warning about compilation errors. This is expected behavior because the package specification (dbmsaudutl.sql) hasn’t been created yet. In fact, the body cannot compile without its specification.

3. Create the package specification:

@$ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/admin/dbmsaudutl.sql

ℹ️ Why this order? In this test case, we run the body script first to show the issue, then we fix it by creating the specification. In practice, however, you can run them in either order. Nevertheless, running the specification first (step 3 before step 2) will help you avoid the intermediate compilation warning.

4. Compile the package body:

ALTER PACKAGE SYS.DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL COMPILE BODY;

This final compilation ensures the package body is properly linked to its specification.

Verification

After completing the steps, verify that everything is working correctly:

SELECT owner, object_name, object_type, status, oracle_maintained 
FROM dba_objects 
WHERE object_name LIKE '%DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL%';

Expected Output (All Valid):

OWNER      OBJECT_NAME          OBJECT_TYPE      STATUS    ORACLE_MAINTAINED
---------- -------------------- ---------------- --------- -----------------
SYS        DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL      PACKAGE          VALID     Y
PUBLIC     DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL      SYNONYM          VALID     Y
SYS        DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL_LIB  LIBRARY          VALID     Y
SYS        DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL      PACKAGE BODY     VALID     Y

Best Practices

To ensure success, follow these important guidelines:

• Always check compilation errors before you start the recreation process
• Run scripts in the correct order: First, execute the specification, then the body
• Verify all related objects (such as synonyms and libraries) are also valid
• Document any customizations before you drop and recreate packages
• Test in a development environment before applying changes to production

Troubleshooting Tips

If the package body remains invalid after recreation:

First, check for missing dependencies or privileges. Additionally, review the alert log for more error details. Furthermore, verify that the Oracle Home path is correct. Finally, ensure all required Oracle patches are applied.

Alternative approach using UTL_RECOMP:

Alternatively, you can try this method:

EXEC UTL_RECOMP.RECOMP_SERIAL('SYS', 'PACKAGE', 'DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL');

Conclusion

In summary, the DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL package is essential for Oracle’s auditing infrastructure. When it becomes invalid, recreating it from Oracle’s installation scripts typically solves the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can restore the package to a valid state and ensure proper audit functionality.

Remember to always perform such operations during scheduled maintenance windows. Moreover, make sure you have proper backups in place before making any changes.