CVE-2006-5093 in Tagmin Control Center
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Tagmin Control Center in TagIt! Tagboard 2.1.B Build 2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5093 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Tagmin Control Center component of TagIt! Tagboard version 2.1.B Build 2. This vulnerability resides within the index.php script and specifically targets the handling of the page parameter which is susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system, creating a severe security risk that can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates through a classic remote code execution vector where attacker-controlled input flows directly into file inclusion functions without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Tagmin Control Center's index.php file. When the page parameter is processed, the application fails to sanitize user-supplied URLs before using them in file inclusion operations. This allows attackers to provide malicious URLs that point to remote PHP scripts hosted on external servers. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the dangerous consequences of directly incorporating user-supplied data into dynamic file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5093 extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the page parameter, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit. This remote code execution capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to establish persistent access and maintain control over the environment. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, potentially enabling full system compromise and data loss.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5093 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameter sanitization measures. Organizations should implement strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations, and ensure that only predefined, safe values are accepted. The recommended approach involves using allowlists of permitted values rather than denylists, as well as implementing proper URL validation and sanitization techniques. Security patches should be applied immediately if available, as this vulnerability was widely known and exploited in the wild during 2006. Additional protective measures include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why proper input validation and the principle of least privilege should be fundamental components of any secure software development lifecycle, with specific reference to security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards.