CVE-2006-5256 in claroline
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in claroline/inc/lib/import.lib.php in Claroline 1.8.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the includePath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5256 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Claroline learning management system version 1.8.0 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the claroline/inc/lib/import.lib.php file where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the includePath parameter. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for remote code execution attacks. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they enable attackers to execute malicious code on the target server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper restriction of operations within a recognized list, and falls under the broader category of CWE-88, which covers improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the includePath parameter, causing the vulnerable application to include and execute the remote file. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as it allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the learning management environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal sensitive user data, modify course content, or establish persistent access to the system. The flaw's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects a widely used educational platform, making it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to compromise educational institutions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be accomplished through simple web requests, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited security awareness.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to protect their systems. The primary mitigation involves upgrading to a patched version of Claroline where input validation has been properly implemented to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations. Additionally, administrators should ensure that the include_path directive in php.ini is configured to restrict file inclusion to specific directories only, preventing the inclusion of arbitrary remote files. Network-level protections including firewall rules and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious requests containing potentially malicious URLs in the includePath parameter. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file inclusion patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts. The implementation of input validation controls at multiple points within the application architecture provides defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify other potential injection points within their systems and ensure that all third-party applications undergo regular security reviews to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.