CVE-2006-5101 in Newsletter
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include.php in Comdev CSV Importer 3.1 and possibly 4.1, as used in (1) Comdev Contact Form 3.1, (2) Comdev Customer Helpdesk 3.1, (3) Comdev Events Calendar 3.1, (4) Comdev FAQ Support 3.1, (5) Comdev Guestbook 3.1, (6) Comdev Links Directory 3.1, (7) Comdev News Publisher 3.1, (8) Comdev Newsletter 3.1, (9) Comdev Photo Gallery 3.1, (10) Comdev Vote Caster 3.1, (11) Comdev Web Blogger 3.1, and (12) Comdev eCommerce 3.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path[docroot] parameter. NOTE: it has been reported that 4.1 versions might also be affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5101 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Comdev CSV Importer plugin version 3.1 and potentially 4.1, which affects multiple Comdev WordPress plugins including contact forms, helpdesk systems, event calendars, and e-commerce solutions. This vulnerability exists within the include.php file and specifically targets the path[docroot] parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject external URLs that are then included and executed by the vulnerable application.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the include statement by injecting malicious URLs through the path[docroot] parameter, effectively bypassing normal access controls and executing code with the privileges of the web server. The vulnerability operates under the principle that the application does not properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating a direct execution path for malicious payloads.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to WordPress installations using the affected Comdev plugins, as it enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or further lateral movement within network environments. The widespread impact across multiple plugin categories suggests that organizations using any of the listed Comdev products are at risk, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple affected plugins are deployed simultaneously. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that the vulnerability affects not just a single plugin but an entire suite of related products.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting a malicious URL parameter that points to an attacker-controlled remote server hosting malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it includes and executes the remote code, effectively providing the attacker with a backdoor into the system. This type of attack pattern is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code. The vulnerability also relates to the broader category of web application vulnerabilities that fall under the ATT&CK framework's web application exploitation domain, specifically targeting the execution and privilege escalation phases of an attack lifecycle.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The most critical immediate action involves updating to patched versions of the Comdev plugins, as vendors typically release security patches addressing such flaws. Additionally, implementing input validation at the application level can prevent malicious URLs from being processed, while network-level firewalls and web application firewalls should be configured to block suspicious inclusion patterns. Regular security audits and monitoring of plugin installations are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of principle of least privilege in web application deployment, ensuring that web server processes operate with minimal necessary permissions to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.