CVE-2006-5166 in Easy Banner Free
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in functions.php in PHP Web Scripts Easy Banner Free allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the s[phppath] parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5166 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Easy Banner Free PHP script developed by PHP Web Scripts. This security weakness resides within the functions.php file and demonstrates a classic pattern of insecure input handling that has been documented across numerous web application vulnerabilities. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the s[phppath] parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of the s[phppath] parameter which is used to include PHP files dynamically within the functions.php script. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing the inclusion of remote files from external servers. This behavior directly violates the principle of input validation and demonstrates a lack of proper security controls around dynamic file inclusion operations. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-98 as "Improper Control of Dynamic Code Features" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" as it represents a remote exploitation vector through web application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain complete control over the affected web server. Once successfully exploited, the malicious code can be used to establish persistent access, download additional malware payloads, perform data exfiltration, or manipulate the application's functionality. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote nature, meaning attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the flaw. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible, as it can be exploited by anyone who discovers the vulnerable parameter. The attack vector follows the typical remote code execution pattern documented in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the "Insecure Direct Object References" and "Security Misconfiguration" categories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5166 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ allowlists of permitted values rather than denylists, and all dynamic file inclusion should be eliminated where possible through the use of static configuration files. The implementation of proper input validation controls directly addresses the underlying CWE-98 vulnerability and aligns with ATT&CK mitigation techniques focused on preventing command injection and code execution. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, conduct regular security code reviews, and ensure that all third-party applications are kept up to date with the latest security patches. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied to web server accounts to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, and proper logging mechanisms should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts.