Creating and Managing the ASMSNMP User in Oracle ASM

Introduction

The ASMSNMP user plays a crucial role in Oracle ASM (Automatic Storage Management), primarily enabling monitoring through Oracle Enterprise Manager (OEM) and we learn Creating ASMSNMP User in Oracle ASM. In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • What is ASMSNMP and its role in ASM monitoring
  • How to create the ASMSNMP user in an ASM instance using SQL*Plus
  • Using ASMCMD How to add the ASMSNMP user
  • Granting necessary privileges to ASMSNMP
  • Best practices for securing ASMSNMP

This step-by-step guide ensures your ASM environment is properly monitored while following Oracle best practices.


Understanding ASMSNMP in Oracle ASM

Oracle Automatic Storage Management (ASM) is a key component of database storage management, simplifying disk management and providing better performance. The ASMSNMP user is created specifically for Oracle Enterprise Manager (OEM) to monitor ASM instances.

Why is ASMSNMP important?

  • OEM Monitoring: Required for Oracle Grid Control and Cloud Control to collect ASM-related metrics.
  • Security: Limits access to only monitoring functionalities, avoiding unnecessary permissions.
  • Performance Insights: Helps track ASM storage utilization and detect potential issues early.

There are two ways of creating ASMSNMP User in Oracle ASM user


Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the ASMSNMP User in ASM Using SQL*Plus

Step 1: Connect to the ASM Instance

Log in as the SYSASM user:

sqlplus / as sysasm

Step 2: Check if ASMSNMP Already Exists

Before creating the user, verify if ASMSNMP already exists:

SELECT username FROM v$pwfile_users;

If it is present, there is no need to create it again.

Step 3: Create the ASMSNMP User

If the user does not exist, create it with a secure password:

CREATE USER ASMSNMP IDENTIFIED BY MySecurePassword;

Replace MySecurePassword with a strong password.

Step 4: Grant Necessary Privileges

GRANT SYSDBA TO ASMSNMP;

For monitoring purposes, Oracle recommends using the SYSASM privilege instead of SYSDBA:

GRANT SYSASM TO ASMSNMP;

Step 5: Verify User Creation

Run the following query to confirm:

SELECT username, granted_role FROM dba_role_privs WHERE username='ASMSNMP';

Creating the ASMSNMP User Using ASMCMD

Step 1: Open ASMCMD

Connect to ASM using ASMCMD:

asmcmd

Step 2: Verify Current Users

List existing users:

lspwusr

If user already exists, it will list the user

Command executed on asmcmd

if not created already, user below steps to create it.

Step 3: Create the ASMSNMP User

mkusr ASMSNMP

Step 4: Assign a Password

passwd ASMSNMP MySecurePassword

Step 5: Grant Necessary Privileges

grantusr ASMSNMP SYSASM

Step 6: Verify User Creation

lspwusr

This ensures that ASMSNMP is correctly set up for ASM monitoring using ASMCMD.


Securing the ASMSNMP User

To enhance security:

  • Use a strong password and change it periodically: ALTER USER ASMSNMP IDENTIFIED BY NewSecurePassword;
  • Limit access by restricting unnecessary privileges.
  • Enable auditing to track usage: AUDIT SESSION BY ASMSNMP;

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue: ORA-01918: User ‘ASMSNMP’ Already Exists

Solution: Use ALTER USER instead of CREATE USER:

ALTER USER ASMSNMP IDENTIFIED BY MySecurePassword;

Issue: ASMSNMP Unable to Connect to ASM

Solution: Ensure the user has the correct privileges:

GRANT SYSASM TO ASMSNMP;

Issue: ASMSNMP Fails in Oracle Enterprise Manager

Solution: Update credentials in OEM > Targets > ASM > Monitoring Configuration.


Conclusion

The ASMSNMP user is essential for Oracle ASM monitoring, ensuring seamless tracking of ASM storage usage through Oracle Enterprise Manager. By following best practices in user creation, privilege assignment, and security, you can maintain a secure and efficient ASM environment.

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments! 🚀


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