CVE-2003-0780: Buffer overflow in get_salt_from_password from sql_acl.cc for MySQL 4.0.14 and earlier, and 3.23.x, allows att

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HIGH 9.0WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2003-0780 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 9.0) affecting mysql, mysql, linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	78.4% (top 1%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-09-22
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: conectiva · mysql · oracle

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-09-22 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mysql mysql DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.1.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mysql || rpm -q mysql || mysql --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mysql sudo apt install mysql=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.1.0> sudo apt-mark hold mysql

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list mysql sudo dnf downgrade mysql-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add mysql

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

oracle mysql DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.23 · 3.23.2 · 3.23.3 · 3.23.4 · 3.23.5 · 3.23.8 · 3.23.9 · 3.23.10

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.23

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mysql || rpm -q mysql || mysql --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.23 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mysql sudo apt install mysql=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.23> sudo apt-mark hold mysql

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list mysql sudo dnf downgrade mysql-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.23> sudo dnf versionlock add mysql

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

conectiva linux MITIGATE

Affected: 7.0 · 8.0 · 9.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: MySQL 3.23.x/4.0.x - Password Handler Buffer Overflow
Exploit-DB: MySQL 3.23.x/4.0.x - Remote Buffer Overflow

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2003-0780?

mysql: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; mysql: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0780 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0780 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2003-0780 affect?

CVE-2003-0780 affects mysql, mysql, linux. Severity is high (CVSS 9.0). 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.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0780?

Priority 66/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

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References

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