ClassNotFoundException on HST spring security plugin with Hippo 7.8.x and does not work with latest Spring security version

When using the HST Spring security support plugin, there is a ClassNotFoundException when there is no connection to the repository.

The catched exception does not exist anymore.

Furthermore, the plugin could not be used with the latest Spring Security version (3.1.4.RELEASE). This is because the password is no longer stored in the Principal by Spring Security.

I have attached a patch for both issues.
SpringSecurityValve:

• the password was stored in the private credentials on the principal, I just store an empty array now.

SpringSecurityUtils:

• RepositoryNotAvailableException is changed to ContainerException

It would be nice if we could get a new release of the plugin.