CVE-2006-5083 in Importal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions_portal.php in Integrated MODs (IM) Portal 1.2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5083 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Integrated MODs (IM) Portal version 1.2.0 and earlier systems. This issue resides in the includes/functions_portal.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the phpbb_root_path parameter which is used to determine the root path for phpBB integration within the portal environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness by supplying a malicious URL through the phpbb_root_path parameter, enabling them to load and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically manifests as a remote code execution vector through insecure file inclusion practices. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code. The root cause stems from the application's failure to sanitize or validate input parameters before using them in file inclusion contexts, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, perform data exfiltration, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects any system running IM Portal 1.2.0 or earlier versions, making it particularly dangerous as it targets widely deployed web applications. Additionally, the nature of the flaw means that the attack can be executed without authentication, making it highly accessible to threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5083 require immediate action to address the core vulnerability. The most effective approach involves upgrading to a patched version of IM Portal that properly validates and sanitizes the phpbb_root_path parameter. Organizations should implement input validation controls that reject or escape special characters in user-supplied parameters before they are processed. The application should employ whitelisting mechanisms to restrict file inclusion operations to predefined, trusted paths only. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not replace proper application-level fixes. Security configurations should also include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP settings and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the web application stack, as this vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that may exist elsewhere in the codebase.