Description
The mysqlhotcopy script in mysql 4.0.20 and earlier, when using the scp method from the mysql-server package, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
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 | 3.23.49-8.7 | DSA-540 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 3 | mysql +2 | 3.23.58-2.3 | RHSA-2004:569 |
Advisories 2
- RHSA-2004:569 Red Hat Security Advisory: mysql security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- DSA-540 mysql-dfsg - insecure file creation Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- http://packages.debian.org/changelogs/pool/main/m/mysql-dfsg/mysql-dfsg_4.0.20-11/changelog
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:10693 vdb-entry signature
- DSA-540 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2004:597 vendor-advisory
- P-018 third-party-advisory government-resource
- mysql-mysqlhotcopy-insecure-file(17030) vdb-entry