MySQL raises error 3236 when the pbkdf2_hmac iteration count is set below 1000 or above 65535, violating required security limits.
MySQL Error 3236 (ER_AES_INVALID_KDF_ITERATIONS) occurs when the pbkdf2_hmac KDF uses fewer than 1000 or more than 65535 iterations. Set the iteration count within that range, restart if needed, and the query will run successfully.
ER_AES_INVALID_KDF_ITERATIONS
MySQL throws error code 3236 when a statement supplies a pbkdf2_hmac iteration count outside the secure range of 1000–65535. The server aborts the request to guard against weak or excessively expensive key derivation.
The error appeared starting in MySQL 5.7.40 and is also enforced in 8.0 and later. Any JSON option, system variable, or component configuration that passes an invalid value will trigger the message immediately.
The most common trigger is a mis-typed or legacy iteration value in AES_ENCRYPT, AES_DECRYPT, or keyring component configuration. Values below 1000 were acceptable in older versions but are now blocked for security.
Another cause is automated deployment scripts that calculate the iteration count dynamically and overflow 16-bit limits, pushing the value above 65535.
First, locate the statement or configuration that defines the iterations field. Replace any value <1000 with a stronger number (for example, 12000) or trim any value >65535 down to 60000 or lower.
After updating the value, reload the variable, reinstall the component, or restart the server so that the new secure iteration count takes effect.
During keyring setup, a JSON configuration like {"iterations":500} fails. Change it to {"iterations":12000} and run ALTER INSTANCE RELOAD TLS to apply the fix.
When calling AES_ENCRYPT, passing an option string containing iterations=80000 causes the error. Set iterations=15000 instead, then re-execute the query and it succeeds.
Define a global constant between 10000 and 30000 for pbkdf2_hmac iterations to balance security and performance across all environments.
Validate iteration counts in CI pipelines and use Galaxy's SQL linting rules to flag any out-of-range values before code reaches production.
ER_AES_INVALID_KDF_NAME arises when an unsupported KDF method is supplied. Use pbkdf2_hmac to resolve it.
ER_AES_INVALID_IV occurs when the initialization vector length is wrong. Ensure the IV matches the cipher block size.
Developers often carry over insecure values from legacy scripts, resulting in a count that MySQL now rejects.
Auto-generated configs may exceed the 16-bit upper bound, creating an unacceptably high CPU load during key derivation.
Systems upgraded from older versions suddenly enforce the new limits, exposing previously hidden misconfigurations.
Missing a zero in 10000 or adding an extra digit can instantly push the value outside the safe range.
Triggered when the initialization vector length is not valid for the chosen cipher.
Occurs if an unsupported key derivation function name is provided.
Raised when encrypted data does not match expected format or length.
No. The iteration count must be less than 65535, so 65534 is the maximum acceptable value.
1000 is the absolute minimum. Modern security guidance recommends at least 10000 iterations for production systems.
No. The bounds are hard-coded for consistency across distributions. Lowering them would weaken security.
Galaxy's SQL editor analyzes option strings in real time and highlights iteration counts that fall outside the safe range, allowing you to correct them before execution.
.avif)
.avif){kind=logo}
