CVE-2006-1994 in dForum
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in dForum 1.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the DFORUM_PATH parameter to (1) about.php, (2) admin.php, (3) anmelden.php, (4) losethread.php, (5) config.php, (6) delpost.php, (7) delthread.php, (8) dfcode.php, (9) download.php, (10) editanoc.php, (11) forum.php, (12) login.php, (13) makethread.php, (14) menu.php, (15) newthread.php, (16) openthread.php, (17) overview.php, (18) post.php, (19) suchen.php, (20) user.php, (21) userconfig.php, (22) userinfo.php, and (23) verwalten.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the dForum 1.5 software ecosystem, where attacker-controlled input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability exists within the DFORUM_PATH parameter handling across twenty-three distinct PHP script endpoints, creating a widespread attack surface that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs for file inclusion. The flaw fundamentally stems from the application's failure to validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in include or require statements, which directly violates secure coding principles and industry standards such as CWE-88 and CWE-94. This vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vector under the ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) when considering the broader exploitation landscape.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious URL through the DFORUM_PATH parameter to any of the affected scripts. The application processes this input directly within include statements, allowing the remote attacker to specify external resources that get executed within the context of the web server. This enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The exploitation requires no authentication and can be performed through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability affects the entire dForum 1.5 codebase and earlier versions, indicating a systemic flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms rather than isolated incidents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, modify database content, steal user credentials, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The wide range of affected files means that any user interaction with the forum could potentially trigger the exploit, making it extremely difficult to defend against. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and maintain long-term access to the compromised environment, as documented in various threat actor methodologies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of dForum or implementing proper input validation and sanitization across all affected scripts. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation using allowlists of acceptable values, disable remote file inclusion features entirely, and ensure that all user-supplied input is properly escaped before use in file operations. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious URL patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation practices and demonstrates how seemingly simple flaws can lead to complete system compromise, underscoring the need for comprehensive security testing and adherence to secure coding standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.