CVE-2006-5251 in Deep CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Deep CMS 2.0a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the ConfigDir parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Deep CMS 2.0a that stems from improper input validation and insecure parameter handling. The vulnerability exists within the index.php file where the ConfigDir parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation. This creates an opportunity for remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that will be executed as PHP code on the target server, effectively allowing full command execution capabilities. The flaw aligns with CWE-98 which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where user-supplied input is used to determine which files to include, and the vulnerability manifests as a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) attack vector that has been documented in numerous web application security assessments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL that will be passed as the ConfigDir parameter to the vulnerable index.php script. When the application processes this parameter, it performs a file inclusion operation that treats the malicious URL as a local file path or directly includes the remote content. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to upload and execute malicious code without requiring authentication or direct access to the server filesystem. The attack chain typically involves preparing a malicious PHP script on a remote server and then using the vulnerable parameter to include and execute that script, which can result in data theft, system takeover, or further network infiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications for the affected organization. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running Deep CMS 2.0a are at risk of having their web servers compromised, which could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in input validation and file handling, suggesting that the application may be susceptible to similar flaws in other components. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability provides a straightforward path to gain persistent access to the target environment, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools that scan for known RFI vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution involves patching or upgrading to a version of Deep CMS that addresses this vulnerability through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Organizations should also implement input validation controls that reject any non-local file paths or URLs that could be used for remote inclusion. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Additionally, security practices should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configurations, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should align with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on mitigating server-side request forgery and remote code execution threats. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and monitoring systems to detect similar issues in their web applications and infrastructure.