CVE-2006-5124 in phpMyWebmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Joshua Muheim phpMyWebmin 1.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) target and (2) action parameters in window.php, and possibly the (3) target parameter in home.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5124 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Joshua Muheim phpMyWebmin version 1.0, a web-based database management tool that provides administrative interfaces for mysql databases. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, creating pathways for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw specifically affects two primary files: window.php and home.php, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into server-side execution contexts without adequate security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three distinct parameter injection points that collectively enable remote code execution. The first and second attack vectors involve the target and action parameters within window.php, while the third vector targets the target parameter in home.php. These parameters are processed without proper validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to supply malicious URLs that get executed as PHP code. The vulnerability operates under CWE-94, which classifies it as an "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" flaw, where untrusted data flows directly into the code generation or execution phase of an application. This represents a classic example of a remote file inclusion vulnerability that can be exploited through the manipulation of URL parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to database contents, server compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This flaw directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to version 1.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation that rejects any non-standard URL formats or suspicious parameter values before they can be processed by the application. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion capabilities and ensuring that only trusted sources can provide input to critical parameters. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper secure coding practices and input validation, as highlighted by the CWE taxonomy that emphasizes the need for robust sanitization of all user-supplied data before it can be used in dynamic code execution contexts.