CVE-2006-5384 in CDS Agenda
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in modification/SendAlertEmail.php in CDS Software Consortium CDS Agenda 4.2.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the AGE parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5384 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the CDS Agenda software suite version 4.2.9 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the modification/SendAlertEmail.php component of the application, which demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and parameter handling. The vulnerability arises from the application's improper sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly when processing the AGE parameter. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs and injecting them into the AGE parameter, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, as outlined in the CWE taxonomy under CWE-20 for Improper Input Validation. The flaw directly enables attackers to load and execute remote PHP files, effectively bypassing local security controls and potentially granting full system compromise capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's reliance on user input without proper sanitization or validation before using it in file inclusion operations. When the AGE parameter is processed within SendAlertEmail.php, the application fails to validate or sanitize the input, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote PHP scripts. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, as the application treats the injected URL as a legitimate file path and attempts to include it. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic remote code execution scenario where the attacker can leverage the application's file inclusion mechanism to load malicious payloads from external sources. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise, including data theft, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor installation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an exploitation of a publicly accessible web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that deploy CDS Agenda software in production environments. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access, deploy additional malware, or conduct reconnaissance activities against internal systems. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also potentially exposes underlying infrastructure and network resources that may be accessible through the compromised system. Organizations using vulnerable versions of CDS Agenda face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in internet-facing environments. Additionally, the vulnerability's exploitation can lead to cascading effects throughout the network, as compromised systems may serve as launch points for further attacks against other internal resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5384 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of CDS Agenda software, as vendors typically release security updates to address such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious data from being processed by the application. The application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion functionality and restrict file operations to local paths only. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Security teams should implement proper access controls and monitoring to identify unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other applications. The implementation of secure coding practices, including parameterized queries and proper input validation, can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles. Compliance with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks should guide the overall security posture to address the root causes of such vulnerabilities. Regular security awareness training for developers and system administrators can also help prevent similar issues in newly developed applications.