CVE-2006-5280 in Leicestershire communityPortals
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/import-archive.php in Leicestershire communityPortals 1.0 build 20051018 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cp_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5280 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Leicestershire communityPortals 1.0 software suite, specifically affecting builds dated before October 18, 2005. This issue resides in the includes/import-archive.php script where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the cp_root_path parameter, thereby enabling remote code execution. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98, which describes improper control of generation of code, specifically highlighting the dangerous practice of incorporating user-supplied input directly into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the cp_root_path parameter to reference a remote URL containing malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it attempts to include and execute the remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability represents a classic example of a remote code execution flaw that can be leveraged for complete system compromise. The attack vector operates through standard HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed from any location with network access to the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, while also supporting T1566 for initial access through web application exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in a community portal system suggests potential exposure to a wide range of attackers, from script kiddies to sophisticated threat actors, making it particularly concerning for organizations managing public-facing web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a non-vulnerable version of the Leicestershire communityPortals software. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques, such as whitelisting acceptable values for the cp_root_path parameter, can prevent malicious input from being processed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules that specifically block suspicious URL patterns or remote file inclusion attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of avoiding dynamic file inclusion based on user input, a principle that aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the secure coding guidelines that recommend parameterized queries and strict input validation for all external data sources.