2.2 Do Not Specify Passwords in Command Line - Process Listing

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Information

If the password is visible in the process list or user's shell/command history, an attacker will be able to access the MySQL database using the stolen credentials.

Solution

Use -p without password and then enter the password when prompted, use a properly secured . my.cnf file, or store authentication information in encrypted format in .mylogin.cnf. Impact: Depending on the remediation chosen, additional steps may need to be undertaken like: Entering a password when prompted; Ensuring the file permissions on .my.cnf is restricted yet accessible by the user; Using mysql_config_editor to encrypt the authentication credentials in .mylogin.cnf. Additionally, not all scripts/applications may be able to use .mylogin.cnf.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/1619