MySQL Database Comparison Software Mysql Structure Compare
MySQL Structure Compare is a free program for Microsoft Windows devices to compare two MySQL databases against each other.
A website that is run by one of my friends got hacked recently resulting in several unpleasant manipulations by the attacker. This included, among other things, a redirection of site visitors to another domain (not owned by my friend).
My friend suspected that the hacker manipulated the MySQL database of the website, but there was not an easy way to find out. His only option, he thought, was to browse the MySQL database manually to find table values that were not correct, and to use search to maybe find the site users were redirected to this way. A tedious process with a high probability to miss some of the modifications made by the hacker.
A quick Google search revealed that the free software MySQL Structure Compare could be of help in this situation. The software allows webmasters to compare two MySQL databases with each other.
This can be a very effective way of comparing snapshots of the same database, e.g. a current version and a backup. This is exactly what we did to check for changes between the hacked database and a database backup that was created the other day.
Mysql Structure Compare required two running databases that can either be hosted locally or remotely. The database name, user, password, host and port need to be specified in the application. The easiest way to setup the second database is to use a local AMP installation as the database host, this can be done with XAMPP or WAMPserver for instance.
It is also possible to run both databases locally. Mysql Structure Compare is a portable software program for the Windows and Linux operating system that can effectively compare two MySQL databases with each other.
The software is available at the developer's website where it can be downloaded for all supported operating systems.
Update: MySQL Structure Compare is no longer maintained. The developer website is not available anymore either, and the only option you have to grab it is to use third-party download sites.
You may download the program from Softpedia for instance, where it is offered for the Windows operating system.
