CVE-2006-5305 in lat2cyr
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lat2cyr.php in the lat2cyr 1.0.1 and earlier phpbb module allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5305 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the lat2cyr phpbb module version 1.0.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the lat2cyr.php script and stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into file inclusion operations. The specific parameter affected is phpbb_root_path which serves as a critical pathway for attackers to manipulate the module's behavior and potentially execute malicious code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the phpbb_root_path parameter which is processed without adequate validation or sanitization. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the vulnerable code attempts to include and execute the remote file specified in the URL. This creates a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution, allowing threat actors to inject and run malicious PHP scripts on the affected server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks where user input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware payloads on the compromised system. The vulnerability affects any system running the affected phpbb module version, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the forum software. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely without authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. The primary mitigation strategy involves upgrading to a patched version of the lat2cyr module where input validation and sanitization mechanisms have been properly implemented. Additionally, administrators should disable remote file inclusion features in php configurations and implement strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional detection and blocking capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and T1059 for command and scripting interpreters. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other components of their web applications and ensure comprehensive protection against remote file inclusion attacks.