> Does a vulnerability that has been there since that long really deserve such a rushed release?

The same question, more or less, was already asked and answered, in
the positive.  People actually wanted the release even earlier, but we
had to wait for a day until Nicolas could find free time.

> I don't understand why this particular security issue was treated that dramatically, but maybe I'm missing
> something.

That's what everyone wanted.  Just read the lists.