CVE-2006-5186 in phpMyProfiler
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in functions.php in phpMyProfiler 0.9.6 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pmp_rel_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5186 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in phpMyProfiler version 0.9.6 and earlier, specifically targeting the functions.php script. This vulnerability exploits a fundamental security weakness in how the application handles user input parameters, creating an avenue for remote code execution that can be leveraged by attackers to compromise affected systems. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous when the vulnerable web server has register_globals enabled, a configuration setting that automatically converts HTTP request variables into PHP global variables, thereby amplifying the attack surface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the phpMyProfiler application. When the pmp_rel_path parameter is passed to the functions.php script, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in a file inclusion operation. This allows an attacker to inject malicious URLs that, when processed by the application, result in the inclusion and execution of arbitrary PHP code from remote locations. The vulnerability specifically targets the file inclusion mechanism that occurs when register_globals is enabled, as this configuration creates a scenario where user-supplied data becomes directly accessible as global variables within the PHP execution context, bypassing normal input validation procedures that would otherwise prevent such attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server running phpMyProfiler. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it accessible to attackers with basic web security knowledge. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited through parameter manipulation.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a significant risk to web application environments running vulnerable versions of phpMyProfiler. The combination of the remote file inclusion flaw with the register_globals configuration creates an exploitable condition that can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including disabling register_globals on all web servers, upgrading to patched versions of phpMyProfiler, and implementing proper input validation mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. Network defenders should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability typically manifests through crafted URLs containing malicious file paths in the pmp_rel_path parameter.