CVE-2006-3777 in PhpLinkExchange
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in IDevSpot PhpLinkExchange 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3777 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the IDevSpot PhpLinkExchange 1.0 web application. This vulnerability exists within the index.php script where user input is improperly validated and directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization. The flaw specifically manifests when the application accepts a page parameter that is then used to include PHP files, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious code through remote URLs. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code through code injection. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of unsafe dynamic code execution where user-supplied input directly influences file inclusion mechanisms. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL in the page parameter, the application's insecure coding practices allow this input to be processed without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication or prior access to the system, making it particularly attractive to attackers who can leverage it for remote code execution. This flaw is classified under the attack pattern category of CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code through code injection vulnerabilities. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the vulnerability affects a web application that typically runs on standard web servers, making it accessible to attackers with basic knowledge of web exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, which could lead to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability also poses risks to data integrity and availability, as attackers can modify or delete files within the application's directory structure. Organizations running affected versions of IDevSpot PhpLinkExchange 1.0 face potential exposure to various attack vectors including web shell deployment, database compromise, and lateral movement within their network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script injection, and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage compromised applications to establish persistent access and maintain control over the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3777 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected application to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent user-supplied data from being used in dynamic file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion features entirely and implementing strict whitelisting of allowed file paths. Security measures should also incorporate proper parameter validation, input filtering, and the use of secure coding practices such as those recommended by OWASP for preventing remote file inclusion attacks. Additionally, network-level protections including firewall rules and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious requests containing potentially malicious URLs in parameter values. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within the application codebase, ensuring comprehensive protection against related exploitation techniques. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why secure coding practices are essential in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.