MySQL MCP Server (benborla): Setup for Claude, Cursor and Other Apps
Lets Claude, Cursor and other assistants look at your MySQL tables and run SQL queries, read-only unless you turn writes on.
This is a community MySQL server by Ben Borla, not an Oracle or MySQL product. It runs on your computer, connects with a MySQL user and password you provide, and gives the assistant one query tool plus a list of your tables and columns.
It starts read-only. Inserts, updates, deletes and schema changes each need their own setting before they work, so leave them off unless you need them. Use a database user with only the rights you want the assistant to have.
Good for
- Developers who want the assistant to answer questions from a MySQL database
- Analysts who want quick queries without writing all the SQL
- Teams who need a database reachable only through a read-only login
- People with remote databases, since an SSH tunnel is supported
Works in
12 should work
Tap an app to see how to set it up and any known problems.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Supports local MCP servers.
Client does not support this transport.
Client does not support this transport.
Install mcp-server-mysql
Claude Code
- 1
Copy this prompt.
Add the mcp-server-mysql server to Claude Code. Run this command: claude mcp add mysql -e MYSQL_HOST=<MYSQL_HOST> -e MYSQL_USER=<MYSQL_USER> -e MYSQL_PASS=<MYSQL_PASS> -e MYSQL_DB=<MYSQL_DB> -- npx -y @benborla29/mcp-server-mysql Ask me for MYSQL_HOST, MYSQL_USER, MYSQL_PASS, MYSQL_DB and only put the values in that config, nowhere else. Then check that it loaded and tell me if I need to sign in or restart.
- 2
Paste it into Claude Code. It shows the change and asks before running it.
Requires Node.js.
Built from the package data we hold. Not yet tested by us.
Tools
Runs a SQL query on your database
Runs the SQL you or the assistant write. By default only reading is allowed. Inserts, updates, deletes and schema changes each work only if you turn on their setting.
Try: “Show the 10 customers with the highest order totals this month.”
Network ·
mysql_query
Read from the source code
Permissions
low risk · 3 things to watch
Low risk
By default the assistant can only read from your database, but the query results are sent to your AI provider. Use a MySQL user with SELECT rights only, and leave the write settings off.
What it can do
- Read your data
- Create and change things
- Delete things
- Read-only modeHow to turn it on
Watch out for
Writes and deletes can be switched on
Setting the ALLOW_* options lets the assistant insert, update, delete and drop. Leave them off, and use a MySQL user without those rights as a second lock. github.com
Query results go to your AI provider
Whatever the query returns is sent to your assistant. An optional PII redaction setting masks personal data, but it is off by default. github.com
Remote mode listens on every network interface
With IS_REMOTE_MCP=true the server starts an HTTP port without a host limit, and the bearer token only applies when you set REMOTE_SECRET_KEY. Always set the key, or stay on the default local mode. github.com
Security advisories
No published security advisories as of Nov 1, 2026.
Technical details
| Turning on read-only | Leave ALLOW_INSERT_OPERATION, ALLOW_UPDATE_OPERATION, ALLOW_DELETE_OPERATION and ALLOW_DDL_OPERATION at false, which is the default. |
|---|---|
| Talks to | Your MySQL host (default 127.0.0.1) |
| Sign-in and keys | The MySQL password goes in the MYSQL_PASS setting of your MCP config on your machine. |
| Scopes |
|
Questions
Is this the official MySQL MCP server?
No. It is a community project by Ben Borla. MySQL and Oracle do not publish or maintain it.
Can it run read-only?
Yes, and that is the default. Writes only work if you set the ALLOW_INSERT, ALLOW_UPDATE, ALLOW_DELETE or ALLOW_DDL options to true. For a hard guarantee, also use a MySQL user that only has SELECT rights.
What do I need to connect?
Node.js and a MySQL 5.7 or newer database. You need the host, user, password and database name, entered as the settings in the install box.
Does it run locally or in the cloud?
It runs locally on your computer and connects to the MySQL host you point it at. An optional remote mode runs it as an HTTP server instead.
Can it delete or change my data?
Only if you turn that on. All insert, update, delete and schema-change options are off by default. A user with delete rights plus the delete option on can remove data.
Can it hide personal data in results?
Yes, optionally. Set ENABLE_PII_REDACTION to true to mask personal columns in query results. It is off by default.
Can it query more than one database?
Yes. Leave the database name out to use multi-database mode, where writes stay off unless you enable them.
Information
updated Nov 2, 2026
- Publisher
- Community
- Package
@benborla29/mcp-server-mysql- Registry
- npm
- Transport
- stdio
- Auth
- token in env
- Version
- 2.0.9
- License
- MIT
- Last commit
- Jul 27, 2026
- Open issues
- 46
Sources
Docs, issue trackers and discussions this page is built from. Issues, quotes and findings above link to their own source.
Show all 3Hide
- README.md · github.com
- CONFIGURATION.md · github.com
- index.ts · github.com