CVE-2006-2122 in CoolMenus
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in CoolMenus allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a URL in the page parameter. NOTE: the original report for this issue is probably erroneous, since CoolMenus does not appear to be written in PHP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2122 represents a classic remote file inclusion flaw that would have allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This issue was originally reported in the index.php file of CoolMenus, a web application framework that was purportedly written in PHP. The vulnerability specifically targeted the page parameter where user input was directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker could manipulate this parameter with a malicious URL, the application would attempt to include and execute the remote file, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution. The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation in interpreted languages. The operational impact of such a vulnerability would have been severe, as it would have allowed remote attackers to gain full control over affected web servers, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The flaw exploited in this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental security weakness in input handling and file inclusion mechanisms within the CoolMenus framework. The application failed to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an environment where attacker-controlled URLs could be executed as part of the application's normal operation. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage weaknesses in web applications to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's classification as a remote file inclusion issue means that attackers could leverage this flaw from outside the network, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing systems. The fact that the original report may have been erroneous regarding CoolMenus being written in PHP adds complexity to the analysis, as it suggests either a misidentification of the vulnerability or a potential confusion with similar vulnerabilities in different frameworks. However, the core concept of improper input handling leading to code execution remains valid regardless of the specific implementation details.
Security practitioners should recognize that this vulnerability type represents one of the more serious classes of web application flaws, particularly when it involves remote code execution capabilities. The mitigation strategies for such vulnerabilities typically involve implementing strict input validation, using allowlists for file inclusion parameters, and avoiding dynamic file inclusion operations where possible. Modern security practices would recommend implementing the principle of least privilege for file operations and employing proper input sanitization techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent such attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, especially when dealing with dynamic content inclusion in web applications. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy applications that may not have been properly secured against such remote exploitation techniques. The remediation process would involve patching the affected application or implementing proper input validation mechanisms to ensure that only predetermined, safe file paths can be included during runtime operations.