CVE-2006-2245 in phpbb-Auction
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in auction\auction_common.php in Auction mod 1.3m for phpBB allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2245 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Auction mod 1.3m for phpBB, specifically affecting the auction_common.php script. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when the phpbb_root_path parameter receives unfiltered URL input, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the application's file inclusion behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the phpbb_root_path parameter, which is typically used to define the root directory path for phpBB installations. When attackers supply a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application's flawed logic processes this input without adequate validation, leading to the inclusion of remote files from attacker-controlled servers. This remote file inclusion mechanism allows threat actors to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially gaining full administrative privileges over the compromised system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations running vulnerable phpBB installations with the affected Auction mod. The remote execution capability means that attackers can deploy malware, establish backdoors, or perform data exfiltration without requiring local system access or prior authentication. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential database compromise, server resource exhaustion, and broader network infiltration opportunities. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and CWE-94, addressing improper control of generation of code, as both relate to the unsafe handling of external input that results in arbitrary code execution.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that phpBB represents a widely deployed forum platform with numerous installations across various organizations. The default configuration of the Auction mod 1.3m likely does not implement proper input validation, making installations vulnerable to exploitation. Security frameworks such as the ATT&CK matrix categorize this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as the malicious code execution occurs through PHP interpreter commands. Additionally, the technique maps to T1190 for exploitation of remote services, since the vulnerability enables remote code execution through web-based interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Auction mod to version 1.3n or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement input validation measures that reject URLs containing potentially dangerous protocols such as http, https, or ftp in the phpbb_root_path parameter. Network-based defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in requests. The implementation of proper parameter validation and the principle of least privilege in file inclusion operations would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future deployments. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other third-party components and custom applications that may be susceptible to similar remote file inclusion attacks.