CVE-2006-5136 in UBB.threads
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in ubbt.inc.php in Groupee UBB.threads 6.5.1.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) GLOBALS[thispath] or (2) GLOBALS[configdir] parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5136 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Groupee UBB.threads version 6.5.1.1. This vulnerability resides within the ubbt.inc.php file and manifests through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied parameters. The flaw specifically impacts two parameter vectors namely GLOBALS[thispath] and GLOBALS[configdir] which are processed without adequate security controls, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can inject arbitrary URLs to execute unauthorized code on the target system.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, known as Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, and CWE-94, referred to as Improper Control of Generation of Code, which together describe the dangerous combination of command injection and code execution flaws. The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and sanitization in the PHP application's parameter handling mechanism. When the application processes the GLOBALS[thispath] or GLOBALS[configdir] parameters, it directly incorporates user-provided URLs into file inclusion operations without verifying their legitimacy or content, allowing attackers to specify remote URLs that contain malicious PHP code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to completely compromise the affected web server. Once successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or any local privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing environments where the application serves public users.
The attack vector for this vulnerability follows a pattern consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target web applications directly through their network interfaces. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious URLs that include PHP code within the vulnerable parameters, which are then processed by the web application and executed on the server. This vulnerability also aligns with T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, as it enables attackers to execute PHP commands directly on the compromised 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 6.5.1.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the input validation issues. Organizations should also implement proper parameter sanitization and validation controls, ensuring that all user inputs are thoroughly checked before being used in file inclusion operations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include disabling remote file inclusion features entirely and enforcing strict access controls on application configuration files to prevent unauthorized modifications that could introduce similar flaws.