CVE-2006-5078 in Polaring
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in view/general.php in Kristian Niemi Polaring 00.04.03 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the _SESSION[dirMain] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5078 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Kristian Niemi Polaring content management system version 00.04.03 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the view/general.php script where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations. The specific parameter _SESSION[dirMain] serves as the attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that get processed by the application's file inclusion mechanism. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of session variables and file inclusion operations. When the _SESSION[dirMain] parameter contains a URL instead of a local directory path, the PHP application processes this input without adequate validation, leading to the inclusion of remote files. This flaw directly violates secure coding practices and demonstrates a lack of input sanitization. According to CWE-98, this vulnerability maps to improper input validation during file inclusion operations, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, as it enables attackers to execute PHP code remotely through the inclusion of malicious remote files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation could result in the execution of malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers, leading to data theft, server compromise, or the installation of backdoors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system by enabling unauthorized code execution and potential data exfiltration. Organizations using affected versions of Polaring would face significant security risks, including possible full system compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential persistence mechanisms and privilege escalation opportunities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves updating to a patched version of Kristian Niemi Polaring that properly validates and sanitizes the _SESSION[dirMain] parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation controls that reject suspicious URL patterns and enforce proper session management practices. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing proper access controls, and establishing network-level restrictions on file inclusion operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications and ensure that input validation mechanisms are consistently applied throughout the codebase. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and demonstrates the critical need for proper parameter validation in web applications.