How to Configure Remote MySQL Access in DirectAdmin?

Enabling a remote MySQL connection in DirectAdmin helps you with administrative tasks relating to databases via applications or servers that are most often remoted. This is configurable for integrating with WEB applications, remote backups, or other tools that need to interface with a database. 

This article outlines the process of setting the MySQL remote access option in DirectAdmin and the security measures to be taken while doing so.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that:

- You have DirectAdmin access with administrator or root privileges.

- You have a MySQL database and user set up.

- You have a basic understanding of MySQL and network configurations.

- Remote access to the server’s firewall is properly configured.

Understanding Remote MySQL Access

Through the use of a different computer, a MySQL client can connect to a MySQL server via remote MySQL access. This is commonly used when: 

- Perhaps, you need to access the databases stored on the DirectAdmin server from another host.

- Several applications running on different servers imply the necessity of getting data from the MySQL database.

Configuring MySQL to Allow Remote Connections

You must make sure MySQL listens on all IP addresses and change the MySQL configuration file in order to enable remote connections.

Steps:

1. Edit MySQL Configuration File:

- Connect to your server via SSH.

- Open the MySQL configuration file in a text editor. This file is typically located at /etc/my.cnf or /etc/mysql/my.cnf.

Look for the bind-address directive. It’s usually set to 127.0.0.1, which restricts MySQL to listen only on localhost.
bash
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bind-address = 0.0.0.0

- Setting it to 0.0.0.0 allows MySQL to listen on all available interfaces.

2. Restart MySQL Service:

After saving the changes, restart the MySQL service to apply them.
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service mysqld restart

Creating a Remote User in DirectAdmin

DirectAdmin simplifies database user management through its interface.

Steps:

1. Log in to DirectAdmin:

- Access your DirectAdmin control panel.

2. Navigate to MySQL Management:

- Go to Account Manager > MySQL Management.

3. Create a New User:

- Select Create new Database or edit an existing database.

- When creating a new database, specify the database name, user, and password.

Ensure the Host field is set to the IP address of the remote host that will access the database. To allow access from any IP address, use %.
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CREATE USER 'username'@'%' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

3. Assign Privileges:

Grant necessary privileges to the user.
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GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON database.* TO 'username'@'%';

FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Modifying MySQL User Privileges

For existing users, you can modify their privileges to allow remote access.

Steps:

1. Open MySQL Command Line:

- Connect to MySQL via SSH or DirectAdmin’s phpMyAdmin.

2. Grant Remote Access:

Use the GRANT statement to allow the user to connect from a specific remote IP or from any IP.
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GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON database.* TO 'username'@'remote_ip' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

- Replace remote_ip with the actual IP or use % for all IP addresses.

Allowing MySQL Traffic Through Firewall

Ensure your firewall is configured to allow traffic on MySQL’s default port, 3306.

Steps:

1. Open Firewall Ports:

If you are using iptables, add a rule to allow traffic on port 3306.
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iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3306 -j ACCEPT

For firewalld, use:
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firewall-cmd --permanent --zone=public --add-port=3306/tcp

firewall-cmd --reload

2. Restart Firewall:

- Apply the changes by restarting the firewall service.

Testing the Remote Connection

Verify that the remote access configuration works by connecting to the MySQL server from a remote machine.

Steps:

1. Install MySQL Client:

- Ensure you have a MySQL client installed on the remote machine.

2. Connect to MySQL Server:

Use the following command to test the connection:
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mysql -u username -h server_ip -p

- Replace username with the MySQL username, server_ip with the IP of your MySQL server, and enter the password when prompted.

Security Considerations

While remote MySQL access can be useful, it introduces potential security risks. Follow these best practices:

- Restrict IP Addresses: Limit access to specific IP addresses instead of allowing % (all IPs).

- Use Strong Passwords: Ensure MySQL users have strong, unique passwords.

- Encrypt Connections: Use SSL/TLS to encrypt MySQL connections, especially over public networks.

- Monitor Logs: Regularly check MySQL logs for suspicious activity.

- Firewall Restrictions: Limit access to MySQL port only to trusted IP addresses.

Conclusion

That’s It!

This can be done by editing MySQL settings, creating/altering privileges of MySQL users, and making changes in Firewall settings in case DirectAdmin is running on a remote server. While the option of remote access enhances convenience, it is a major boon, it is very important to consider proper steps towards the security of your database. It is hoped that this guide will help you to establish control over MySQL remote access without jeopardizing the safety of your own database.

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