MySQL Security: Authentication Methods Explained

Overview of MySQL Authentication Methods

MySQL supports several authentication methods, each with different security features and use cases. These methods are implemented as authentication plugins that MySQL loads to verify user credentials.

• Native Password: The traditional method using SHA1 hashing.
• Caching SHA-2 Password: The default in MySQL 8.0, offering stronger security.
• LDAP Authentication: Integrates MySQL with LDAP directory services.
• PAM Authentication: Uses Pluggable Authentication Modules for external authentication.
• Socket Peer-Credential: Authenticates users based on OS credentials.

Native Password Authentication

The native password authentication method uses a SHA1 hash of the password. It was the default in MySQL versions prior to 8.0.

While widely supported, it is considered less secure compared to newer methods due to vulnerabilities in SHA1.

• Uses SHA1 hashing for password storage and verification.
• Compatible with many MySQL clients and connectors.
• Not recommended for new deployments due to weaker security.

Caching SHA-2 Password Authentication

Introduced in MySQL 8.0, caching_sha2_password is the default authentication plugin. It uses SHA-256 hashing and supports secure password exchange.

This method improves security by protecting passwords during transmission and reducing authentication overhead with caching.

• Uses SHA-256 hashing algorithm for stronger security.
• Supports secure password exchange using RSA encryption.
• Caches authentication credentials to improve performance.
• Recommended for modern MySQL deployments.

External Authentication Plugins

MySQL can integrate with external authentication systems using plugins such as LDAP and PAM. This allows centralized user management and leverages existing enterprise security infrastructure.

• LDAP Authentication: Validates users against an LDAP directory.
• PAM Authentication: Uses the operating system's authentication modules.
• Socket Peer-Credential: Authenticates users based on their OS user identity.

Configuring Authentication Methods in MySQL

You can specify the authentication plugin for each MySQL user when creating or altering the user account.

Proper configuration ensures that users authenticate using the desired method, enhancing security and compatibility.

• Use CREATE USER or ALTER USER with IDENTIFIED WITH clause to set the authentication plugin.
• Example: CREATE USER 'alice'@'%' IDENTIFIED WITH caching_sha2_password BY 'securePass123';
• Verify user authentication plugin with: SELECT user, plugin FROM mysql.user;

Best Practices for MySQL Authentication Security

Securing MySQL authentication involves choosing strong methods and following security guidelines.

• Use caching_sha2_password for new user accounts.
• Avoid using native password unless necessary for compatibility.
• Integrate with external authentication systems for centralized control.
• Regularly update MySQL server to benefit from security improvements.
• Use SSL/TLS to encrypt connections and protect credentials during transmission.