CVE-2006-5281 in N At Board
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in naboard_pnr.php in n@board 3.1.9e and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the skin parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5281 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the n@board content management system version 3.1.9e and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the naboard_pnr.php script which fails to properly validate user input parameters before incorporating them into file inclusion operations. The specific weakness occurs when the skin parameter is passed to the script without adequate sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that can be executed as PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL that targets the vulnerable parameter in the naboard_pnr.php script. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, it essentially acts as a proxy for executing remote code, allowing attackers to load and execute malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure coding standards. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, execute arbitrary commands, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. This vulnerability directly aligns with techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under ATT&CK matrix domain of Execution and Persistence, specifically mapping to T1059 for command and script injection and T1078 for valid accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with comprehensive control over the affected server. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors for future access. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated versions of n@board, creating a significant risk for web applications that fail to maintain current security patches. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5281 should prioritize immediate patching of the n@board application to the latest secure version that addresses the input validation flaw. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation and sanitization measures that prevent any external URL inclusion in critical application parameters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by blocking suspicious requests containing malicious URL patterns. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications. The remediation process should include disabling remote file inclusion features entirely and implementing proper input validation mechanisms that adhere to secure coding practices. Additionally, organizations should maintain comprehensive monitoring and logging of file inclusion operations to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for rapid remediation.