CVE-2006-5260 in compteur
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in compteur.php in Compteur 2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cp 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5260 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Compteur 2 web application's compteur.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vulnerabilities, which are commonly classified as CWE-829 and CWE-94 within the CWE taxonomy. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the cp parameter that controls the inclusion of external files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the cp parameter within the compteur.php script, which is designed to include and execute external PHP files. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for the cp parameter, the application's insecure handling of this input allows the remote file inclusion to proceed without proper validation. This creates an environment where arbitrary PHP code can be executed on the vulnerable server, effectively granting the attacker remote command execution capabilities and complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute malicious code directly on the web server, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised server infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access to the target system. This makes it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and script kiddies who can mass exploit vulnerable systems. The lack of proper input validation and sanitization creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the underlying code is patched or the application is updated.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the affected application. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing external URL references or suspicious characters that could indicate malicious intent. The recommended approach involves using allowlists of acceptable values rather than denylists, ensuring that only legitimate file paths or parameters are accepted. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, as this functionality should not be required for normal operation. The use of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious parameter values and blocking known attack patterns. Organizations should also implement proper code reviews and security testing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of their applications, as this type of flaw is common in legacy codebases that were not initially designed with security in mind. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, which aligns with the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on defensive techniques such as input validation and privilege separation.