CVE-2006-5240 in Docmint
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in engine/require.php in Docmint 2.0 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the MY_ENV[BASE_ENGINE_LOC] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5240 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Docmint 2.0 and earlier versions. This security weakness resides within the engine/require.php file and specifically exploits the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive being enabled. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the MY_ENV[BASE_ENGINE_LOC] parameter through a URL reference, creating a pathway for remote code execution. The flaw demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that directly enables attackers to bypass normal application security boundaries and execute malicious code on the target system.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category of Improper Input Validation, specifically manifesting as a remote file inclusion attack that leverages the dangerous configuration of register_globals. The attack vector operates through the manipulation of environment variables that are automatically registered as global variables when register_globals is enabled, creating an exploitable condition where user-supplied input directly influences the application's execution flow. The vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture, as it allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code without proper authentication or authorization. The impact is particularly severe because it enables complete system compromise when the vulnerable configuration exists.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and perform reconnaissance activities against the compromised system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where register_globals remains enabled. Organizations running affected versions of Docmint face significant risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and system manipulation. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in application design, as it relies on dangerous PHP configurations that should never be enabled in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through multiple layers of security controls. The primary and most critical fix involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, which eliminates the core exploitation condition. Additionally, input validation and sanitization mechanisms should be implemented to prevent user-supplied parameters from influencing critical application behavior. The application should employ proper file inclusion practices using whitelisting or strict validation of file paths before inclusion. Security patches and updates to Docmint 2.1 or later versions should be implemented immediately, as these releases contain fixes for the vulnerability. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection, though they should not be considered primary defenses. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of security awareness training for developers and system administrators to prevent the use of dangerous PHP configurations in production environments, aligning with defense-in-depth principles that require multiple overlapping security controls to protect against various attack vectors.