CVE-2006-3069 in DoubleSpeak
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in DoubleSpeak 0.1, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the config[private] parameter in multiple files, as demonstrated by (1) index.php, (2) faq.php, and (3) hardware.php. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by multiple third-party researchers, who state that config[private] is initialized in an include file before being used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3069 represents a remote file inclusion flaw that existed in the DoubleSpeak 0.1 content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets systems where the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code. The flaw manifests through the config[private] parameter which is passed through multiple entry points including index.php, faq.php, and hardware.php, making the attack surface particularly broad within the application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the dangerous behavior of register_globals, a PHP configuration setting that automatically registers GET, POST, and COOKIE data as global variables. When enabled, this setting transforms user-supplied input into accessible global variables without proper sanitization, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be directly incorporated into the application's execution flow. The config[private] parameter serves as the primary attack vector, as it is processed in a way that allows remote code execution when combined with the vulnerable PHP configuration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a critical security risk that could allow attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The fact that multiple files within the application are affected increases the likelihood of successful exploitation, as attackers can choose the most accessible entry point. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category for improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, though it more directly relates to CWE-94 for improper control of generation of code, as it enables arbitrary code execution.
The vulnerability's disputed nature stems from the counter-arguments provided by third-party researchers who claim that the config[private] parameter is properly initialized in an include file before being used. This dispute highlights the complexity of vulnerability analysis and the importance of thorough code review processes. The disagreement suggests either a misunderstanding of the code flow or a potential misclassification of the vulnerability. Such disputes are common in security research and underscore the necessity for multiple independent verification processes to establish the true nature and scope of security flaws.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately disable register_globals in their PHP configurations and implement proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters. The recommended mitigations include upgrading to patched versions of DoubleSpeak, implementing proper parameter sanitization, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all applications that may be vulnerable to similar remote file inclusion attacks. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter values to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability exemplifies why modern security practices emphasize the elimination of dangerous PHP configurations and the implementation of robust input validation mechanisms.