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Overview
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Overview

SYS.DBMS_RAT_MASK is an Oracle-supplied PL/SQL package that forms part of the Real Application Testing (RAT) infrastructure within the database tier. In the context of Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1.1 and 12.2.2, this package is not an EBS application object in the conventional sense; it is owned by the SYS schema and is delivered as part of the core database installation. Its business function is to support workload capture and replay operations by masking sensitive data that would otherwise be exposed during the capture, extraction, and replay of database workloads. The package enables administrators to protect confidential values—such as personally identifiable information, bind variables, and application data—before it is written to a workload capture file and subsequently replayed, typically for performance regression testing, patching validation, or upgrade qualification in an EBS environment.

The ETRM metadata classifies DBMS_RAT_MASK as an OTHER-class API, indicating that it is an internal or infrastructural utility rather than a public application programming interface intended for direct developer consumption. It is documented with status VALID and depends on the SYS schema, the STANDARD package, and the XMLTYPE data type.

Key Procedures and Functions

The documented package exposes nine procedures and functions, each serving a distinct role in the data-masking lifecycle:

  • INITIALIZE_MASKING — Establishes the masking context and prepares the environment required for subsequent mask operations.
  • GET_RAT_VERSION — Returns the version identifier of the Real Application Testing component, allowing callers to determine compatibility of masking behavior.
  • SPA_EXTRACT_DATA — Extracts data relevant to SQL Performance Analyzer operations, isolating the values that require masking.
  • DBR_EXTRACT_DATA — Extracts data for Database Replay processing, gathering the captured values prior to masking.
  • SPA_MASK_DATA — Applies masking rules to the data used by the SQL Performance Analyzer workflow.
  • DBR_MASK_DATA — Applies masking rules to the data used by the Database Replay workflow.
  • AWR_PURGE_BINDS — Removes bind variable information from Automatic Workload Repository data to prevent disclosure of sensitive values.
  • REMOVE_SPA_PEEKED_BINDS — Eliminates peeked bind values associated with SQL Performance Analyzer processing.
  • CLEANUP_MASKING — Releases the resources and intermediate state created during the masking operation.

Tables Accessed

The ETRM metadata records no tables referenced through APPS synonyms for this package. This is consistent with its status as a SYS-owned database-level utility: any underlying tables it touches are database-internal objects, such as AWR and workload repository structures, rather than EBS application tables. The package itself is referenced by the PUBLIC synonym DBMS_RAT_MASK and by the SYS schema. No other packages are documented as referencing it, and it references no other EBS packages, confirming its position as a low-level component of the RAT masking framework.

Usage Notes

Because DBMS_RAT_MASK is a database-tier package, it is not invoked from EBS Forms or concurrent programs. It is typically executed by DBAs or automated Oracle infrastructure during Database Replay and SQL Performance Analyzer sessions, particularly when prepares for workload capture or replay in an EBS environment where sensitive business data must be shielded. Administrators generally interact with it indirectly through the RAT APIs (DBMS_WORKLOAD_CAPTURE, DBMS_WORKLOAD_REPLAY, and DBMS_SQLPA) rather than calling its procedures directly. Custom code should not depend on this package, as it is proprietary Oracle infrastructure and subject to change between database releases. Any use should be restricted to controlled testing environments and performed under guidance from Oracle Support.