Frank Denis reported a bug in unpatched versions of MySQL versions prior to 3.0.58. Passwords of MySQL users are stored in the Password field of the user table, part of the mysql database. By filling a Password field with a value wider than 16 characters, a buffer overflow can occur. This could allow an attacker who has the ability to modify the user table to execute arbitrary code as the MySQL user. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project (cve.mitre.org) has assigned the name CAN-2003-0780 to this issue.
We will address this by moving to MySQL 3.23.58 (released yesterday).
RHSA-2003:282 in progress
An errata has been issued which should help the problem described in this bug report. This report is therefore being closed with a resolution of ERRATA. For more information on the solution and/or where to find the updated files, please follow the link below. You may reopen this bug report if the solution does not work for you. http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2003-282.html