CVE-2006-5192 in phpGreetz
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/footer.php in phpGreetz 0.99 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the PHPGREETZ_INCLUDE_DIR parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5192 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the phpGreetz web application version 0.99 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the includes/footer.php file and stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the PHPGREETZ_INCLUDE_DIR parameter, which then gets processed by the application's include functionality. This creates an avenue for remote code execution through the manipulation of file inclusion paths, effectively bypassing normal application security controls and potentially enabling full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the application's trust in user-supplied input within file inclusion contexts, where the PHP include statement processes the attacker-controlled URL parameter without adequate validation. This allows attackers to reference external malicious files hosted on remote servers, which then get executed within the context of the web application's privileges. The attack vector specifically targets the parameter handling mechanism in the footer.php file, which serves as a common inclusion point for various application components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe implications for affected systems as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code remotely without requiring authentication or prior access to the target system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, data theft, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, deploy additional malware, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against other network resources. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where phpGreetz applications are deployed without proper security hardening.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5192 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to phpGreetz version 1.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation and avoid using user-supplied input directly in file inclusion contexts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring web server permissions to prevent unauthorized file access. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection. Security practices should include regular vulnerability assessments, code reviews focusing on input validation, and adherence to secure coding standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for remote code execution through web shell deployment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and detection capabilities.