CVE-2006-5234 in phpWebSite
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in phpWebSite 0.10.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the PHPWS_SOURCE_DIR parameter in (1) init.php, (2) users.php, (3) Cookie.php, (4) forms.php, (5) Groups.php, (6) ModSetting.php, (7) Calendar.php, (8) DateTime.php, (9) core.php, (10) ImgLibrary.php, (11) Manager.php, and (12) Template.php, and (13) EZform.php. NOTE: CVE disputes this report, since "PHPWS_SOURCE_DIR" is defined as a constant, not accessed as a variable
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5234 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting phpWebSite version 0.10.2. This issue stems from improper input validation within multiple PHP files that process user-supplied data through the PHPWS_SOURCE_DIR parameter. The vulnerability exists across thirteen distinct files including core system components like init.php, users.php, and various module files such as Calendar.php and Template.php. Attackers could exploit this weakness by injecting malicious URLs into the PHPWS_SOURCE_DIR parameter, potentially allowing arbitrary PHP code execution on the target server. The affected system would process these remote URLs as if they were local file paths, creating a dangerous vector for code injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code through the use of dynamic code generation. These vulnerabilities fall under the broader category of remote file inclusion attacks that have been consistently identified as high-risk security flaws in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Remote Code Execution technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique, where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on compromised systems. The specific nature of the flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input sanitization and validation, where user-controllable parameters are directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate security checks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations running phpWebSite 0.10.2, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise. Attackers could gain persistent access to the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution, as compromised systems often become part of botnets or serve as launch points for additional attacks. The widespread nature of the vulnerability across multiple core files means that exploitation could occur through various attack vectors, increasing the attack surface and making detection more challenging. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as a critical priority for remediation, as it provides attackers with a direct path to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process.
The disputed nature of this CVE report raises important considerations about vulnerability classification and validation processes. The vendor's assertion that PHPWS_SOURCE_DIR is defined as a constant rather than accessed as a variable suggests that the reported vulnerability may not exist in the manner described. However, this does not eliminate the need for careful security assessment of the application's codebase. Security professionals should verify the actual implementation details and confirm whether the parameter is indeed used in a manner that permits remote code execution. The discrepancy between the reported vulnerability and vendor claims highlights the importance of independent verification and the potential for false positives in vulnerability reporting. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures that validate both the presence of reported vulnerabilities and the effectiveness of proposed mitigations. Proper input validation, parameter sanitization, and the principle of least privilege should be enforced to prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications or future versions of phpWebSite.