Description
mysql_install_db in MySQL 4.1.x before 4.1.12 and 5.x up to 5.0.4 creates the mysql_install_db.X file with a predictable filename and insecure permissions, which allows local users to execute arbitrary SQL commands by modifying the file's contents.
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 3.1 | mysql-dfsg-4.1 | 4.1.11a-4sarge1 | DSA-783-1 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 4 | mysql +3 | 4.1.12-3.RHEL4.1 | RHSA-2005:685 |
Advisories 2
- RHSA-2005:685 Red Hat Security Advisory: mysql security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- DSA-783-1 mysql-dfsg-4.1 - insecure temporary file Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- http://www.zataz.net/adviso/mysql-05172005.txt
- 15369 third-party-advisory
- 17080 third-party-advisory
- 20050517 MySQL < 4.0.12 && MySQL <= 5.0.4 : Insecure tmp mailing-list
- 13660 vdb-entry
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:9504 vdb-entry signature
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=158688
- MDKSA-2006:045 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2005:685 vendor-advisory