CVE-2006-2871 in CyBoards PHP Lite
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/common.php in CyBoards PHP Lite 1.25 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the script_path parameter. NOTE: CVE disputes this issue, since $script_path is set to a constant value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2871 pertains to a potential remote file inclusion flaw discovered in CyBoards PHP Lite version 1.25. This issue was initially reported as affecting the include/common.php file where a script_path parameter could be manipulated by remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they allow attackers to inject malicious code into web applications, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability would occur through manipulation of the script_path parameter, which in theory could be used to include external malicious files. This type of attack pattern is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190, known as "Exploit Public-Facing Application," where adversaries target vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access. The attack vector would involve crafting a malicious URL that includes the script_path parameter, potentially leading to code execution on the target server. However, the vulnerability report notes that this issue is disputed, as the script_path parameter was reportedly set to a constant value, which would theoretically prevent dynamic manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability, if it were exploitable, would be severe for systems running CyBoards PHP Lite 1.25. Remote code execution capabilities would enable attackers to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The disputed nature of this CVE suggests that either the vulnerability was not properly validated or that the reported flaw was more complex than initially described. Organizations would need to carefully evaluate their implementations to determine if any actual exposure exists, as the disputed status indicates that the original vulnerability assessment may have contained inaccuracies or misinterpretations of the code behavior.
Security practitioners should note that while this specific CVE is disputed, the underlying principles of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities remain critical in web application security. The incident highlights the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of allowing user-supplied data to influence file inclusion operations. The vulnerability demonstrates why constant values should be used for critical path parameters and why dynamic inclusion of external resources should be strictly controlled. Organizations implementing similar systems should ensure that all file inclusion operations are properly validated and that no user-controllable parameters can influence the inclusion of external files, thereby preventing potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.