The mysql npm package offers a robust, MIT-licensed Node.js driver for connecting to and interacting with MySQL databases. Versions 2.3.2 and 2.4.0 share a common foundation, both written entirely in JavaScript, eliminating the need for compilation and making them readily accessible across various environments. Both versions declare the same dependencies, relying on bignumber.js for precise numeric handling, readable-stream for efficient data streaming, and require-all for simplifying module loading. Development dependencies like underscore, urun, and utest remain consistent, indicating a stable testing and utility framework.
The key differentiator lies in the release dates and potentially, internal improvements not explicitly detailed in the package metadata. Version 2.3.2 was released in late May 2014, while version 2.4.0 followed in mid-July 2014. This approximately six-week gap suggests that version 2.4.0 likely incorporates bug fixes, performance enhancements, or minor feature additions implemented after the 2.3.2 release. While the absence of specific changelog details makes pinpointing these changes difficult, the updated version number implies a beneficial upgrade. Developers should consider adopting version 2.4.0 for the most up-to-date and potentially more stable experience when integrating MySQL into their Node.js applications. One other minor difference is the repository URL which is "git://..." in version 2.4.0 and "https://..." in version 2.3.2: this might indicate the usage of insecure transport protocol and thus one other reason to prefer version 2.4.0.
All the vulnerabilities related to the version 2.4.0 of the package
mysql Node.JS Module Vulnerable to Remote Memory Exposure
Versions of mysql before 2.14.0 are vulnerable to remove memory exposure.
Affected versions of mysql package allocate and send an uninitialized memory over the network when a number is provided as a password.
Only mysql running on Node.js versions below 6.0.0 are affected due to a throw added in newer node.js versions.
Proof of Concept:
require('mysql').createConnection({
host: 'localhost',
user: 'user',
password : USERPROVIDEDINPUT, // number
database : 'my_db'
}).connect();
Update to version 2.14.0 or later.