CVE-2006-2744 in Interactive Web
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in p-popupgallery.php in [email protected] Interactive Web 0.8.41 through 0.8.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the l parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2744 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the [email protected] Interactive Web content management system version 0.8.41 through 0.8.5. This issue resides within the p-popupgallery.php script which fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the l parameter which is used to specify a URL for inclusion, creating an attack vector that allows remote adversaries to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code due to unsafe use of dynamic code generation or execution. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, particularly focusing on PHP-specific code execution vectors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the l parameter of the p-popupgallery.php endpoint. The application fails to sanitize or validate this input, allowing the attacker to specify any remote URL containing malicious PHP code. When the web application processes this parameter, it includes the remote file directly without proper validation, thereby executing the attacker's code within the context of the web server. This creates a scenario where the remote attacker can effectively take control of the web application and potentially the underlying server, depending on the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring authentication, making it a high-severity issue that can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web application and potentially the entire server infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application, as well as potentially compromising the availability of services if attackers choose to implement denial-of-service tactics. Organizations running affected versions of [email protected] Interactive Web are at significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations depending on the nature of the data processed by the vulnerable application. The impact is particularly severe given that the vulnerability affects a content management system that likely handles sensitive user data, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit weak input validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a version that has fixed the input validation issue in the p-popupgallery.php script. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are rigorously checked before being used in file inclusion operations. Additional defensive measures include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in the PHP configuration, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting regular security audits of all web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous file inclusion patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts, providing visibility into potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as well as the necessity of keeping all software components updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.