You attempt to connect to a MySQL Server by using the mysql client program. However, you receive this notice: ERROR 2059 (HY000): Authentication plugin 'mysql_clear_password' cannot be loaded…

Question

Options

• Athe mysql_upgrade script
• Bthe mysql client with the --ignore-password-hashing option
• CThe mysql_secure_installation script to update server security settings
• DThe mysql client with the --enable-cleartext-plugin option
• EThe install plugin command for the mysql_cleartext_password plugin

• A
  7% (3)
• C
  89% (41)
• D
  2% (1)
• E
  2% (1)

Explanation

Note: The marked correct answer (C) appears to be incorrect. The actual correct answer is D.

Option D is correct because ERROR 2059 occurs when the mysql_clear_password client-side plugin is not enabled - MySQL deliberately requires explicit opt-in to cleartext password transmission as a security safeguard. Running mysql --enable-cleartext-plugin tells the client to allow the plugin, resolving the error immediately. The other options are wrong for these reasons:

• A (mysql_upgrade) - upgrades system tables after a server version change; unrelated to plugin loading
• B (--ignore-password-hashing) - not a real MySQL client option
• C (mysql_secure_installation) - hardens server security (root password, anonymous users, test DB); it does not manage authentication plugin availability on the client
• E (INSTALL PLUGIN) - this is a server-side command for loading server plugins; mysql_clear_password is a client-side plugin that doesn't need server installation

Memory tip: The error says "plugin not enabled" - your fix must enable it. Only option D contains the word "enable," which mirrors the error message exactly. If you see 2059 on an exam, match "not enabled" → --enable-cleartext-plugin.

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