CVE-2006-2877 in Bookmark4U
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Bookmark4U 2.0.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to include arbitrary PHP files via the include_prefix parameter in (1) inc/dbase.php, (2) inc/config.php, (3) inc/common.php, and (4) inc/function.php. NOTE: it has been reported that the inc directory is protected by a .htaccess file, so this issue only applies in certain environments or configurations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The CVE-2006-2877 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Bookmark4U web application version 2.0.0 and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, specifically manifesting as a remote code execution vector through unrestricted file inclusion mechanisms. The flaw exists within the application's core include functionality where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion paths without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability affects four critical files within the application's inc directory: dbase.php, config.php, common.php, and function.php, all of which process the include_prefix parameter in ways that permit arbitrary file inclusion attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before using it in dynamic include statements. When an attacker manipulates the include_prefix parameter, the application constructs file paths using this unsanitized input, allowing the inclusion of remote files hosted on attacker-controlled servers. This creates a pathway for remote code execution where attackers can inject malicious PHP code that gets executed on the target server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level, bypassing traditional network-based security controls and potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the affected system. This flaw aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-22 categories, representing improper input validation and path traversal issues respectively, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 and T1059 for exploitation of remote services and command execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2877 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and persistent access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoor scripts, establish persistent command and control channels, and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its potential to affect database connectivity and configuration files, which could lead to data exfiltration, service disruption, or further lateral movement within network infrastructures. Organizations running affected versions of Bookmark4U face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the application serves as a critical business service or contains sensitive user data, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to access all data processed by the application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2877 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Bookmark4U that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters before using them in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement input validation controls that reject suspicious file paths or protocols, particularly those containing remote URLs or unusual path characters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts, though these should complement rather than replace proper code-level fixes. Security configurations should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities entirely and implementing strict file access controls. The presence of .htaccess protection mentioned in the original description suggests that environment-specific configurations may partially mitigate risk, but this should not be relied upon as the sole defense mechanism. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, and the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the damage that could result from successful exploitation attempts.