CVE-2006-5087 in evoBB
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in evoBB 0.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter in (1) track.php or (2) connect.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5087 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting evoBB version 0.3 and earlier installations. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of user-supplied data, specifically in two key files track.php and connect.php. The issue manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize the path parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are subsequently processed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of remote file inclusion attacks, which are classified as CWE-88 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a severe threat to web application security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the path parameter within the specified PHP files. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into the path parameter, the vulnerable application processes this input without adequate sanitization or validation. The PHP interpreter then executes the code contained within the remote file, effectively granting the attacker full control over the affected server. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper security controls around dynamic file inclusion operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. This can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, server takeover, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of evoBB's tracking and connection features, making it a persistent threat that could be exploited continuously until patched. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability also impacts the availability and integrity of the web application, as attackers can modify or delete critical application files and data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected evoBB installations to version 0.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement input validation measures to prevent unsanitized user data from reaching critical application functions. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal necessary permissions and by implementing proper access controls. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that prevent dynamic file inclusion without proper validation, such as using allowlists for acceptable file paths or implementing strict input sanitization routines. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure comprehensive protection against remote code execution attacks.