CVE-2006-5180 in Newswriter
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/main.inc.php in Sebastian Baumann and Philipp Wolfer Newswriter SW 1.42 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the NWCONF_SYSTEM[server_path] parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-5102.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5180 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Newswriter SW 1.42 and earlier versions developed by Sebastian Baumann and Philipp Wolfer. This security weakness resides within the include/main.inc.php file and specifically targets the NWCONF_SYSTEM[server_path] parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The vulnerability operates through a remote code execution vector that differs from the previously identified CVE-2006-5102, indicating a distinct attack surface within the application's input handling mechanisms.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's configuration parameter processing. When the NWCONF_SYSTEM[server_path] parameter receives user-supplied URL data without proper validation, the application blindly includes and executes the specified remote file. This behavior aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where applications include files based on user-supplied input without sufficient validation. The vulnerability manifests as a direct consequence of the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate the server_path parameter to reference malicious remote resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables adversaries to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish command and control channels, or perform reconnaissance activities within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public networks.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. The primary mitigation involves updating to Newswriter SW versions beyond 1.42 where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Additionally, administrators should disable remote file inclusion capabilities within PHP configurations by setting allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include to false in php.ini files. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this parameter manipulation. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1190 highlights the importance of monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns and implementing proper input validation controls at all application entry points to prevent similar remote file inclusion scenarios.
The broader implications of this vulnerability demonstrate the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar flaws in their codebases and implement comprehensive security testing including dynamic and static analysis. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple parameter handling can create significant security risks when proper validation mechanisms are absent, emphasizing the need for robust security controls throughout the software development lifecycle.