CVE-2006-5413 in SuperMod
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in SuperMod 3.0.0 for YABB (YaBBSM) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sourcedir parameter to (1) Offline.php, (2) Sources/Admin.php, (3) Sources/Offline.php, or (4) content/portalshow.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The CVE-2006-5413 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting SuperMod 3.0.0 for YABB, a popular bulletin board system. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation in multiple script files that process user-supplied URL parameters. The flaw specifically manifests in the sourcedir parameter handling within Offline.php, Sources/Admin.php, Sources/Offline.php, and content/portalshow.php files, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the improper validation of dangerous data in interpreted languages, and more specifically with CWE-434, concerning the unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types. These issues create a pathway for attackers to inject malicious PHP code through remote file inclusion techniques, fundamentally compromising the security posture of affected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the flawed parameter validation mechanism that permits external URLs to be passed directly into the include() or require() functions within the affected PHP scripts. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the sourcedir parameter, the application fails to sanitize or validate this input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows the attacker to reference remote malicious PHP files hosted on external servers, effectively executing arbitrary code within the context of the web server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges or authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected web application. The attack follows the typical remote file inclusion pattern documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1190, which covers the use of remote file inclusion for code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5413 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not just individual user accounts but potentially the entire web infrastructure, as the compromised server can serve as a command and control center for distributed attacks. Organizations running affected YABB installations face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's widespread nature across multiple script files increases the attack surface and makes comprehensive remediation more complex, requiring careful analysis of all affected components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5413 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a non-vulnerable version of SuperMod 3.0.0 for YABB. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should implement input validation controls that prevent external URLs from being passed to file inclusion functions, including the use of allowlist validation for all user-supplied parameters. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration, implementing proper input sanitization, and using absolute path references instead of relative or remote URLs. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level fixes. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities, as this issue demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation and input sanitization practices. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in interpreted languages where dynamic code execution capabilities can be exploited by attackers.