CVE-2006-2928 in CMS-Bandits
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in CMS-Bandits 2.5 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the spaw_root parameter in (1) dialogs/img.php and (2) dialogs/td.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2928 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting CMS-Bandits version 2.5 and earlier systems. This vulnerability specifically targets applications where the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code. The flaw manifests in two distinct locations within the application's file structure, namely dialogs/img.php and dialogs/td.php, both of which accept user-supplied input through the spaw_root parameter. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, effectively merging GET, POST, and cookie parameters into the global namespace. This configuration creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious URLs directly into the spaw_root parameter, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes the improper handling of a control element, specifically in this case the manipulation of global variables through user input. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to affected systems as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, enabling attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data theft, system compromise, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, execute system commands, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the underlying server infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an attack against publicly accessible web applications that can be exploited remotely. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious URL that points to a remote server hosting attacker-controlled PHP code, which then gets included and executed by the vulnerable application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple web browser interactions, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and parameter handling within the CMS-Bandits framework, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. Organizations running affected versions of CMS-Bandits should immediately implement mitigations including disabling register_globals in their PHP configuration, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, and applying the latest security patches from the vendor. Additionally, network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The broader security community recognizes this class of vulnerability as a critical issue that highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the dangers of enabling dangerous PHP configuration options in production environments.