Does MongoDB support password-less access?

MongoDB does not natively support completely password-less access for security reasons, as it requires authentication by default to protect data. However, you can configure MongoDB to use alternative authentication mechanisms that may reduce or eliminate the need for traditional passwords in certain scenarios.

1. Keyfile Authentication (for Replica Sets/Sharded Clusters)

Instead of passwords, MongoDB can use a shared keyfile for authentication between cluster members. This is typically used for internal communication between nodes in a replica set or sharded cluster.

Example:

• Generate a keyfile:

  openssl rand -base64 756 > /path/to/keyfile  
  chmod 400 /path/to/keyfile  
  

• Place the keyfile on all MongoDB nodes and configure mongod to use it:

  security:  
    keyFile: /path/to/keyfile  
  

2. X.509 Certificate Authentication

MongoDB supports SSL/TLS with X.509 certificates for client and server authentication, eliminating the need for passwords.

Example:

• Configure mongod with TLS/SSL:

  net:  
    tls:  
      mode: requireTLS  
      certificateKeyFile: /path/to/server.pem  
      CAFile: /path/to/ca.pem  
  

• Clients authenticate using their own certificates.

3. Kubernetes Secrets (for Containerized Deployments)

If MongoDB runs in Kubernetes, you can use Kubernetes Secrets to manage credentials securely, avoiding hardcoded passwords.

4. OAuth2 or LDAP (Enterprise Only)

MongoDB Enterprise supports external authentication via LDAP or OAuth2, which can integrate with existing identity providers instead of using passwords.

Recommended Tencent Cloud Service

For managed MongoDB on Tencent Cloud, TencentDB for MongoDB provides built-in security features, including TLS encryption, IAM integration, and key management, simplifying secure authentication without relying solely on passwords.

If you need password-less access for automation, consider using X.509 certificates or keyfile authentication in a secured environment.