Upgrading MySQL from 5.7 to 8.0 failed due to `Certificate not found: rds-ca-2015`, how to fix?

3 min read 04-10-2024
Upgrading MySQL from 5.7 to 8.0 failed due to `Certificate not found: rds-ca-2015`, how to fix?


Upgrading MySQL databases is essential for accessing new features, improvements, and security patches. However, the process can sometimes run into roadblocks. One common issue arises when attempting to upgrade from MySQL 5.7 to 8.0 and encountering the error: Certificate not found: rds-ca-2015. In this article, we’ll break down the problem, showcase the original code, analyze the issue, and guide you on how to resolve it.

Understanding the Problem

When you attempt to upgrade your MySQL database, you may receive an error indicating that a specific SSL certificate, rds-ca-2015, is missing. This is particularly common in Amazon RDS environments, where SSL certificates are used to encrypt connections between clients and the MySQL database server.

The Original Scenario

You have a MySQL 5.7 database and are in the process of upgrading to MySQL 8.0. After running the upgrade command, you encounter the following error:

ERROR 2026 (HY000): Certificate not found: rds-ca-2015

This indicates that the upgrade process is unable to locate the necessary SSL certificate, causing the upgrade to fail.

Why Does This Issue Occur?

The rds-ca-2015 certificate was previously used for SSL connections with Amazon RDS instances. When upgrading MySQL, the newer version may require an updated certificate for secure connections. As a result, if your environment is set up to use an outdated or missing certificate, the upgrade process will fail.

Analyzing the Error

This error can often happen due to one of the following reasons:

  • The SSL certificate for the database connection is outdated or not configured correctly.
  • The necessary files for SSL/TLS connections are not properly installed or accessible.
  • You may be trying to connect to a database using an older client version that doesn’t support the latest certificates.

Steps to Resolve the Error

To successfully upgrade your MySQL database, follow these steps:

Step 1: Update Your SSL Certificates

  1. Download the Latest SSL Certificate: Visit the AWS Certificate Bundles page and download the most recent certificate bundle, which includes rds-ca-2015 and the latest certificate.

  2. Replace the Old Certificate: Locate the old certificate file on your server, typically found in the directory where your MySQL client is installed. Replace the outdated rds-ca-2015.pem file with the newly downloaded one.

Step 2: Configure MySQL Client

Ensure your MySQL client is configured to use the new certificate:

  • For example, you can specify the CA file when connecting:
mysql --ssl-ca=/path/to/rds-ca-2015.pem -u your_username -p

Step 3: Retry the Upgrade Process

Once you have updated the SSL certificates, try to upgrade your MySQL instance again using the following command:

mysql_upgrade -u your_username -p

Conclusion

Upgrading your MySQL database from version 5.7 to 8.0 is a critical process that may involve several challenges, including the Certificate not found: rds-ca-2015 error. By updating your SSL certificates and ensuring proper configurations, you can resolve this issue and successfully complete your upgrade.

Additional Resources

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth transition to MySQL 8.0 and benefit from the enhancements it offers. Always make sure to back up your data before attempting an upgrade and consult the official documentation for additional insights.