CVE-2006-5380 in Contenido
Summary
by MITRE
Remote file inclusion vulnerability in Contenido CMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the contenido_path parameter to (1) cms/dbfs.php or (2) cms/front_content.php. NOTE: CVE disputes this issue for version 4.6.15, because $contenido_path is set to a static value
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5380 represents a classic remote file inclusion flaw that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected Contenido CMS installations. This issue manifests in two specific files within the CMS framework where the contenido_path parameter is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables remote attackers to include malicious files from external URLs, effectively bypassing local security controls and potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation within the Contenido CMS codebase where user-supplied input from the contenido_path parameter is directly used in file inclusion operations. This pattern aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the contenido_path parameter to point to remote URLs containing malicious PHP code, which then gets executed on the target server. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw and is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability could result in complete system compromise of affected Contenido CMS installations, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors. The potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on Contenido CMS for their content management needs. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of data handled by the compromised systems.
Despite official dispute status for version 4.6.15 due to the contenido_path variable being set to a static value, organizations should still consider this vulnerability as part of their comprehensive security assessment. The broader implications for remote file inclusion vulnerabilities highlight the importance of input validation, secure coding practices, and regular security audits. Mitigation strategies should include implementing proper parameter validation, using allowlists for file inclusion operations, and ensuring that all CMS components are updated to versions that have addressed such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and regular security monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for adhering to secure coding practices and following security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten to prevent similar issues in web applications.