New security fixes for MySQL reported

6 new security fixes for Oracle MySQL have been detailed in the most current Oracle Critical Patch Update (CPU).

These are:

• CVE-2012-1735 (5.5.23 and earlier)
  • CVE-2012-0540 (5.1.62 and earlier, 5.5.23 and earlier)
    • CVE-2012-1757 (5.5.23 and earlier )
      • CVE-2012-1756 (5.5.23 and earlier)
        • CVE-2012-1734 (5.1.62 and earlier, 5.5.23 and earlier )

          • CVE-2012-1689 (5.1.62 and earlier, 5.5.22 and earlier )

          Oracle strongly recommends that customers apply CPU fixes as soon as possible. Unfortunately there is no easy description for MySQL users what that really entails. There is a reference to Critical Patch Update July 2012 Patch Delivery Document for Oracle Sun Products Suite My Oracle Support Note 1446033.1 , however all the information is behind having a support license. There appears to be no information easily available for the community users.

          A full description of these CVEs can be found here . Unfortunately most say Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.23 and earlier. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows successful authenticated network attacks via multiple protocols. Successful attack of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of MySQL Server. which is effectively useless information.

          There is external information that can be found at the National Vulnerability Database (not linked in the Oracle article). For example http://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2012-1735 however this does not provide any more meaningful information either.

          There was a recent 5.5.25a released on 2012-07-05, however this, 5.5.25, 5.5.24, and the yet to be released 5.5.26 release notes provide no information about these security issues.

          While security is important for a database and system administrator, on first inspection the information provided does not offer an easy way to assess the risk and take appropriate actions.

          More information at <a href=“http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/cpujul2012-392727.html'>Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory – July 2012.