Understanding MySQL Authentication Plugins in Koha: Key Differences Explained
When deploying Koha—especially in cloud environments like AWS—it’s important to understand how MySQL handles user authentication. MySQL provides several authentication plugins that determine how users verify their identity when connecting to the database. The most commonly used plugins are:
mysql_native_passwordcaching_sha2_passwordauth_socket
Each plugin has its own strengths and trade-offs depending on your security needs, performance expectations, and deployment environment.
1. mysql_native_password
This plugin was the default in MySQL from version 4.1 up to 5.7. It uses SHA-1 hashing to store passwords in the mysql.user table.
Pros:
-
Highly compatible with older MySQL versions and applications, including legacy PHP setups often used with Koha.
-
Easy to configure and widely supported.
Cons:
-
Uses SHA-1, which is considered weak by modern security standards.
-
Lacks advanced encryption features.
Use case: Best for legacy Koha installations or systems where backward compatibility is essential.
2. caching_sha2_password
Introduced in MySQL 8.0, this plugin improves upon mysql_native_password by using SHA-256 hashing and caching mechanisms to speed up authentication.
Pros:
-
More secure hashing algorithm (SHA-256).
-
Recommended for modern, production-ready Koha setups.
-
Reduces server load with its caching feature for repeat logins.
Cons:
-
May be slightly slower on initial connections due to additional encryption steps.
-
Might require configuration tweaks in older clients or PHP connectors.
Use case: Ideal for new Koha installations, especially in cloud environments like AWS, where security is a priority.
3. auth_socket
Available since MySQL 5.7.6, this plugin enables passwordless login for system users by verifying that the OS-level username matches the MySQL username.
Pros:
-
Eliminates the need to store or manage passwords in MySQL.
-
Useful for local development environments or tightly controlled servers.
Cons:
-
Limited flexibility—only works if system and MySQL usernames match.
-
Not suitable for remote or cloud-based Koha deployments unless paired with specific security policies.
Use case: Good for secure, local server environments but less practical for remote Koha deployments, such as those on AWS EC2.
Summary
| Plugin | Security Level | Compatibility | Performance | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mysql_native_password | Low | Legacy systems | High | Older Koha versions or PHP apps |
| caching_sha2_password | High | Modern systems | Moderate to High | New Koha installations in production or cloud |
| auth_socket | High | Local systems | High | Local server setups with tight OS-level control |