CVE-2006-5095 in MyPhotos
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in MyPhotos 0.1.3b beta allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the includesdir parameter. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE on 20060927, since the includesdir is defined before being used when the product is installed according to the provided instructions
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5095 pertains to a remote file inclusion flaw discovered in MyPhotos version 0.1.3b beta, specifically within the index.php script. This represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests through the includesdir parameter which, when manipulated by an attacker, could lead to unauthorized code execution. According to the original description, this issue falls under the category of remote code execution vulnerabilities that have significant implications for web application security.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data within the MyPhotos application. When the includesdir parameter is passed to the index.php script without adequate sanitization, it creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious file paths. This allows the application to include and execute arbitrary PHP files from remote locations, effectively bypassing normal security controls. The vulnerability is classified as a remote file inclusion (RFI) issue, which is a well-known pattern that has been documented in numerous security advisories and represents a fundamental flaw in input handling practices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to systems running affected versions of MyPhotos. Attackers could leverage this flaw to upload and execute malicious code, potentially gaining full control over the affected server. The implications extend beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using this vulnerable software would be at risk of unauthorized access and potential complete system takeover. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local access to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The disputed nature of this CVE, as noted in the description, reflects the complexity of vulnerability assessment and the importance of proper implementation verification. The CVE entry itself indicates that the issue was disputed by the CVE Numbering Authority on September 27, 2006, due to the assertion that the includesdir parameter is defined before being used during proper installation according to provided instructions. This dispute highlights the importance of understanding the complete context of a vulnerability, including installation procedures and configuration requirements. The discrepancy between the original vulnerability report and the disputed status demonstrates how proper security implementation and configuration can mitigate potential flaws. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability would fall under CWE-88, which deals with improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, though the specific implementation details suggest a more direct file inclusion scenario. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this under T1190 for exploit for client execution, with potential lateral movement implications once initial access is achieved.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on input validation and proper parameter handling within the application code. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization measures to prevent malicious data from being processed as file paths. The recommended approach involves using allowlists for acceptable values, implementing proper path validation, and ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are thoroughly validated before use. Additionally, the application should be configured to use absolute paths rather than relative paths that could be manipulated by attackers. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The disputed nature of this CVE emphasizes the importance of proper installation and configuration practices, as recommended by industry standards and security frameworks.