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Description

This error indicates that MySQL is preventing a client from loading data from a local file system into the database. It occurs when the `LOCAL_INFILE` capability, required for operations like `LOAD DATA LOCAL INFILE`, is not explicitly enabled on both the MySQL client application and the MySQL server instance. This is typically a security-related setting.

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Error Message

Loading local data is disabled; this must be enabled on both the client and server sides

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Server `local_infile` Variable Disabled

The `local_infile` system variable on the MySQL server is set to `OFF`, preventing the server from accepting local file loads.

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Client Does Not Request Local Infile

The client application or connection library is not configured to explicitly request or allow the `LOCAL_INFILE` capability when connecting to the MySQL server.

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Mismatched Client and Server Settings

Even if one side is enabled, if the other side (client or server) explicitly disables or does not enable `LOCAL_INFILE`, this error will occur.

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Organizational Security Policy

Corporate or organizational security policies might mandate disabling `LOCAL_INFILE` to prevent potential data exfiltration or unauthorized file access.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Enable LOCAL INFILE on the Client easy

Configure your MySQL client to allow LOCAL INFILE operations.

1

When connecting to MySQL, use the `--local-infile=1` option.

mysql --local-infile=1 -u your_username -p your_database_name

2

If you are using a programming language connector (e.g., Python, Node.js), ensure you pass the appropriate parameter to enable local infile. For example, in Python with `mysql.connector`:

import mysql.connector

cnx = mysql.connector.connect(
    user='your_username',
    password='your_password',
    host='your_host',
    database='your_database_name',
    allow_local_infile=True
)

3

For other languages, consult their respective MySQL connector documentation for the equivalent option (often named `local_infile`, `enable_local_infile`, or similar).

2. Enable LOCAL INFILE on the MySQL Server (Temporary) easy

Temporarily enable LOCAL INFILE for the current MySQL server session.

1

Connect to your MySQL server as a user with sufficient privileges (e.g., root).

2

Execute the following SQL command to enable the `local_infile` system variable for the current session.

SET GLOBAL local_infile = 1;

3

This change will be lost when the MySQL server restarts. For a permanent solution, see the next method.

3. Enable LOCAL INFILE on the MySQL Server (Permanent) medium

Permanently configure the MySQL server to allow LOCAL INFILE operations.

1

Locate your MySQL configuration file. This is typically `my.cnf` or `my.ini` and is often found in `/etc/mysql/`, `/etc/`, or within the MySQL installation directory.

2

Open the configuration file with a text editor (e.g., `nano`, `vim`).

3

Under the `[mysqld]` section, add or modify the following line:

[mysqld]
local-infile=1

4

Save the configuration file.

5

Restart the MySQL server for the changes to take effect.

sudo systemctl restart mysql  # For systemd-based systems
# or
sudo service mysql restart    # For SysVinit-based systems

6

After restarting, verify that `local_infile` is enabled by connecting to MySQL and running `SHOW GLOBAL VARIABLES LIKE 'local_infile';`.

SHOW GLOBAL VARIABLES LIKE 'local_infile';

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MySQL Error 3948: Local Data Loading Disabled