CVE-2006-3363 in Xoops Glossaire Module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in the Glossaire module 1.7 for Xoops allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pa parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3363 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Glossaire module version 1.7 for Xoops content management system. This security weakness resides in the index.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating external resources into the execution flow. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the pa parameter is manipulated with a malicious URL, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain unauthorized system access.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to remote file inclusion attacks. The attack vector leverages the PHP include or require functions that accept dynamic parameters without proper validation, enabling threat actors to reference external malicious scripts hosted on remote servers. When the Glossaire module processes the pa parameter, it directly incorporates the provided URL into the include statement, creating a pathway for code execution. This type of vulnerability falls within the ATT&CK framework under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities that allow remote code execution through manipulated input parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to upload additional malicious files, execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Glossaire module 1.7 for Xoops, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited across numerous web applications running this specific module. Organizations using Xoops with the affected Glossaire module face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential use as a launching point for further attacks within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Glossaire module to version 1.8 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should implement proper parameter validation and sanitization within the application code, ensuring that all user inputs are properly checked before being used in include statements. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and blocking known malicious payloads. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other modules or components of the Xoops platform. The remediation process must also include comprehensive code review practices to prevent similar issues from occurring in future development cycles, emphasizing the importance of input validation and secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle.