This error appears when a keyring UDF call fails because the configured keyring plugin or backend service returned an error.
ER_KEYRING_UDF_KEYRING_SERVICE_ERROR signals that a MySQL keyring user-defined function failed to talk to the underlying key management service. Install or enable a compatible keyring plugin and verify all UDF arguments to resolve the issue.
ER_KEYRING_UDF_KEYRING_SERVICE_ERROR
MySQL error 3188 appears when a keyring user defined function (UDF) such as keyring_key_generate or keyring_key_store cannot complete because the configured key management plugin returns an error. The server wraps that failure in the generic ER_KEYRING_UDF_KEYRING_SERVICE_ERROR message.
The problem is surfaced at query execution time and blocks any operation that needs the keyring, including InnoDB tablespace encryption, key rotation, or cloning operations. Addressing it quickly is critical for data security workflows.
The root cause is always a mismatch or malfunction between the UDF and the keyring plugin. The plugin may be missing, disabled, mis-configured, or unable to reach its external vault service. Incorrect UDF arguments can also trigger the fault.
This error is most often seen after upgrades, plugin changes, or when moving from the file_keyring plugin to an external provider such as keyring_okv or keyring_hashicorp without updating configuration files.
First confirm that a keyring plugin is loaded. Check SHOW PLUGINS or query the INFORMATION_SCHEMA.PLUGINS table. If it is not ACTIVE, install or enable it and restart MySQL if required.
Next verify the plugin specific configuration variables like keyring_file_data, keyring_okv_conf_dir, or keyring_hashicorp_url. Typos or incorrect file paths force the plugin to reject UDF calls.
Finally validate the UDF arguments. For example, keyring_key_generate needs an existing key_id and valid algorithm string. A wrong length or algorithm name will bubble up as the same error.
Scenario: You migrated to MySQL 8 and forgot to load the keyring component. Solution: run INSTALL COMPONENT 'file://component_keyring_file' and restart the server.
Scenario: The file_keyring data file path was moved. Solution: update keyring_file_data in my.cnf to the new absolute path and restart.
Scenario: Using keyring_hashicorp with an expired token. Solution: renew the Vault token and test connectivity with mysqlsh util.checkForServerUpgrade.
Keep the keyring plugin enabled in all environments and verify it during CI/CD deployment using automated health checks that call SELECT keyring_key_generate(...).
Store plugin configuration in version control and use absolute paths for any local files. Rotate credentials for external vaults before expiration and monitor the MySQL error log for keyring events.
Error 3185 ER_KEYRING_UDF_KEY_INVALID_LENGTH: appears when key length argument is outside allowed range. Provide a length that matches the algorithm.
Error 3186 ER_KEYRING_UDF_KEY_TYPE_INVALID: raised when an unsupported algorithm is requested. Verify values such as AES, ARIA, or BLOWFISH are accepted by your plugin.
Error 3184 ER_KEYRING_UDF_KEY_SEC_LENGTH_INVALID: indicates that the secret length does not meet plugin requirements. Adjust length or switch algorithm.
The server does not have any keyring plugin installed or the component is disabled, so UDFs cannot reach a key management backend.
Paths, URLs, or credentials defined in my.cnf are wrong, preventing the plugin from initializing or contacting an external vault.
Calling keyring_key_generate, keyring_key_store, or keyring_key_fetch with unsupported algorithm names or key sizes triggers a plugin error that MySQL surfaces as 3188.
For networked plugins like keyring_okv or keyring_hashicorp, loss of connectivity or expired tokens causes every UDF call to fail.
Raised when the requested secret length is not supported by the plugin.
Occurs when the algorithm string passed to the UDF is not recognized.
Appears when the security length argument is invalid for the chosen key type.
Generic component loading error that can surface if the keyring component fails to initialize.
If the plugin is already loaded, correcting configuration variables with SET PERSIST and re-testing the UDF usually resolves the issue without downtime. Installing a new component still requires a restart.
The file_keyring plugin is simple but stores keys locally. External plugins like keyring_hashicorp or keyring_okv offer stronger security by storing keys in a dedicated vault.
Galaxy’s editor can store vetted setup scripts and run health-check queries across environments, letting teams catch missing plugins or bad configuration before they hit production.
No. The message indicates a key management problem. Data remains intact but encryption operations are blocked until the keyring is functional.
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