CVE-2006-5055 in syntaxCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/testing/tests/0004_init_urls.php in syntaxCMS 1.1.1 through 1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the init_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5055 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the syntaxCMS content management system version 1.1.1 through 1.3. This vulnerability resides in the administrative testing component of the application, specifically within the file 0004_init_urls.php located in the admin/testing/tests directory structure. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the init_path parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The issue enables attackers to leverage the remote file inclusion mechanism to load external PHP scripts from remote servers, effectively allowing them to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs within the administrative testing framework, which typically operates with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying server infrastructure and database systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or escalate privileges within the system. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication as it only requires crafting a malicious URL parameter, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is publicly accessible. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to gain initial access to systems, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various scripting languages including PHP.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the syntaxCMS application to versions that properly validate and sanitize all user inputs, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation mechanisms that reject any input containing suspicious characters or patterns typically associated with remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should also implement proper access controls to limit exposure of administrative components and consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications operate with minimal necessary permissions and that all file inclusion operations are validated against a whitelist of approved paths or domains. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization and proper parameter validation in preventing remote code execution attacks, which remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous classes of web application vulnerabilities in the cybersecurity landscape.