Which configuration allows HashiCorp Vault to manage MySQL credentials dynamically?

Which configuration allows HashiCorp Vault to manage MySQL credentials dynamically?

• A. Vault Agent
• B. Database plug-ins
• C. Cloud storage backends
• D. Static secret backends

Answer: (B)

The correct choice is the database plug-ins. HashiCorp Vault's dynamic secret management capability is powered by its database back-end integration through specific database plug-ins. These plug-ins allow Vault to generate database credentials dynamically at the time of a request. When an application needs to connect to a MySQL database, Vault can create a new, time-limited credential on the fly that can be used for the duration specified. This approach enhances security by reducing the risks associated with hard-coded credentials and ensuring that users or applications only have access to the database when necessary. In contrast, a Vault Agent primarily deals with authentication and can simplify the management of tokens and leases but does not directly interact with databases to create credentials dynamically. Cloud storage backends pertain to where Vault stores its data, which is unrelated to dynamic credential creation. Static secret backends are used for secrets that do not change, thus lacking the capability to generate credentials on-demand as needed for database access.

The correct choice is the database plug-ins. HashiCorp Vault's dynamic secret management capability is powered by its database back-end integration through specific database plug-ins. These plug-ins allow Vault to generate database credentials dynamically at the time of a request. When an application needs to connect to a MySQL database, Vault can create a new, time-limited credential on the fly that can be used for the duration specified. This approach enhances security by reducing the risks associated with hard-coded credentials and ensuring that users or applications only have access to the database when necessary.

In contrast, a Vault Agent primarily deals with authentication and can simplify the management of tokens and leases but does not directly interact with databases to create credentials dynamically. Cloud storage backends pertain to where Vault stores its data, which is unrelated to dynamic credential creation. Static secret backends are used for secrets that do not change, thus lacking the capability to generate credentials on-demand as needed for database access.