Description
Buffer overflow in get_salt_from_password from sql_acl.cc for MySQL 4.0.14 and earlier, and 3.23.x, allows attackers with ALTER TABLE privileges to execute arbitrary code via a long Password field.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 3.0 | mysql | 3.23.49-8.5 | DSA-381 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 2
- MySQL 3.23.x/4.0.x - Remote Buffer Overflow EDB-98 · remote · Sep 14, 2003 · verified
- MySQL 3.23.x/4.0.x - Password Handler Buffer Overflow EDB-23138 · dos · Sep 10, 2003 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-381 mysql - buffer overflow Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- CLA-2003:743 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2003:282 vendor-advisory
- MDKSA-2003:094 vendor-advisory
- 20030913 exploit for mysql -- [get_salt_from_password] problem mailing-list
- 20030910 Buffer overflow in MySQL mailing-list
- DSA-381 vendor-advisory
- VU#516492 third-party-advisory
- RHSA-2003:281 vendor-advisory
- 20030910 Buffer overflow in MySQL mailing-list
- 9709 third-party-advisory
- 2003-0034 vendor-advisory