CVE-2006-4189 in Dolphin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Dolphin 5.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dir[inc] parameter in (1) index.php, (2) aemodule.php, (3) browse.php, (4) cc.php, (5) click.php, (6) faq.php, (7) gallery.php, (8) im.php, (9) inbox.php, (10) join_form.php, (11) logout.php, (12) messages_inbox.php, and many other scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4189 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Dolphin 5.1, a web application framework that was widely used for social networking platforms. This vulnerability manifests as a directory traversal and remote code execution vector that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw specifically resides in how the application processes user-supplied input through the dir[inc] parameter across multiple entry points, creating a pathway for attackers to load and execute malicious code from remote servers. The affected scripts include core application components such as index.php, aemodule.php, browse.php, and numerous other modules that handle user interactions and content delivery.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL in the dir[inc] parameter, the vulnerable application blindly includes and executes the remote file, effectively granting the attacker complete control over the web server. The attack surface is extensive as it affects over a dozen different scripts within the Dolphin framework, making it particularly dangerous for administrators who may not be aware of all the vulnerable entry points.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive user data, modify application behavior, and use the compromised server as a launchpad for attacking other systems. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through web application attacks and privilege escalation via code execution. Organizations running Dolphin 5.1 are at significant risk of experiencing data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary and most critical fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Administrators should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Dolphin or implement strict input validation that prevents the inclusion of remote URLs in the dir[inc] parameter. Additional protective measures include disabling the ability to include remote files through configuration settings, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting thorough security audits of all web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. The use of secure coding practices, such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, should be enforced to prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to ensure that similar weaknesses do not exist in other components of the application stack.