CVE-2006-0688 in indexu
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file include vulnerability in application.php in nicecoder.com indexu 5.0.0 and 5.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the base_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0688 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting the indexu 5.0.0 and 5.0.1 web applications developed by nicecoder.com. This vulnerability resides within the application.php file and demonstrates a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) vulnerability that has been a persistent concern in web application security for over a decade. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the base_path parameter, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and directly manipulate the application's execution flow.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically highlighting the dangerous practice of directly incorporating user-supplied input into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework category of T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage web application flaws to gain unauthorized access to systems. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the base_path parameter, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization, effectively allowing the remote execution of PHP code on the server. This creates a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against internal networks. The vulnerability affects versions 5.0.0 and 5.0.1 specifically, indicating that the developers may have introduced the flaw during the development process or failed to properly address similar issues in previous releases. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the web application serves as a critical component of business operations, as it can lead to complete system compromise and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions, as the most effective solution involves updating to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters. Organizations should implement input validation controls that reject suspicious URL patterns or enforce strict whitelisting of allowed base paths. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts by monitoring for unusual patterns in parameter values. Additionally, security practices such as principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that web applications run with minimal necessary permissions to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application stack, particularly focusing on file inclusion operations that handle user input.