CVE-2006-5254 in Extended Registration
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in registration_detailed.inc.php in Mark Van Bellen Detailed User Registration (com_registration_detailed), aka regdetailed, 4.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5254 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Mark Van Bellen Detailed User Registration component for PHP applications. This vulnerability affects versions 4.1 and earlier of the com_registration_detailed module, which is commonly used in content management systems and web applications built on PHP frameworks. The flaw resides in the registration_detailed.inc.php file where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category of Improper Input Validation, specifically manifesting as a remote code execution vector that allows attackers to inject malicious URLs into the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to the vulnerable script. The application then uses this parameter value directly in a file inclusion operation, effectively executing code from the remote location specified by the attacker. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution (RCE) flaw and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage publicly accessible web applications to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5254 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to vulnerable systems, exfiltrate sensitive data, and deploy additional malicious payloads. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, create web shells, or manipulate database contents, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking long-term access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation does not require any local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Organizations running affected versions of the Mark Van Bellen Detailed User Registration component face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5254 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software components, as the vulnerability has been well-documented and remediated through official updates. System administrators should implement input validation measures to ensure that all parameters passed to file inclusion functions are properly sanitized and validated against a whitelist of acceptable values. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious parameter values and blocking known malicious patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE guidelines that emphasize preventing unsafe direct object references and improper input validation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other components of the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against remote code execution threats.