CVE-2006-2736 in Blend Portal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in blend_data/blend_common.php in Blend Portal 1.2.0, as used with phpBB when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter. NOTE: This is a similar vulnerability to CVE-2006-2507.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The CVE-2006-2736 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Blend Portal 1.2.0 when integrated with phpBB systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the blend_data/blend_common.php file and exploits a dangerous parameter handling mechanism through the phpbb_root_path parameter. The flaw occurs when the register_globals PHP configuration setting is enabled, creating a dangerous execution environment where attacker-controlled input can be directly interpreted as PHP code execution directives. This vulnerability type falls under the CWE-88 category of Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, specifically manifesting as a remote code execution vector through file inclusion mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires that the target system has register_globals enabled, which was a common configuration in older PHP environments. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through the phpbb_root_path parameter, the vulnerable blend_common.php script processes this input without proper sanitization or validation. The PHP interpreter then treats the supplied URL as a legitimate file path and attempts to include it, effectively executing any PHP code contained within the remote file. This creates an immediate and severe privilege escalation scenario where attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the target server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2006-2507 demonstrates a common pattern in web application security flaws related to improper input validation and dangerous parameter handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2736 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify database contents, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the Blend Portal application but also exposes the underlying phpBB platform to additional attack surface. Given that this vulnerability was discovered in 2006, many legacy systems may still be running vulnerable versions of these applications without proper patching, creating ongoing security risks for organizations that have not updated their software infrastructure. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2736 involve multiple layers of defensive measures that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture. The primary recommendation is to disable register_globals in all PHP configurations, as this setting fundamentally enables the vulnerability by allowing external parameters to be automatically registered as global variables. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen PHP directives should be disabled to prevent remote file inclusion attacks entirely. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, regular security audits, and application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, highlighting the need for comprehensive network security monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular application patching and vulnerability management programs are essential to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2006-2736 in legacy systems.