CVE-2006-5429 in BRIM
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Barry Nauta BRIM 1.2.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the renderer parameter in template.tpl.php in (1) templates/barrel/, (2) templates/sidebar/, (3) templates/text-only, (4) templates/slashdot/, (5) templates/penguin/, (6) templates/pda/, (7) templates/oerdec/, (8) templates/nifty/, (9) templates/mylook, and (10) templates/barry/.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5429 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Barry Nauta BRIM versions 1.2.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the application's template processing mechanism, specifically in the template.tpl.php file located across multiple template directories including barrel, sidebar, text-only, slashdot, penguin, pda, oerdec, nifty, mylook, and barry. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, particularly the renderer parameter that is processed during template rendering operations. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code through code injection. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under T1059.007, specifically targeting remote code execution through web application vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the renderer parameter to include a malicious URL that points to external resources containing malicious PHP code. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, it includes and executes the remote code within the context of the web server, effectively allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple template directories, amplifying the attack surface and providing several potential entry points for exploitation. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices where user-controllable data is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation or encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on the affected web server. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify web content, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application and potentially the entire hosting environment, as PHP code execution typically occurs with the privileges of the web server process. The widespread nature of the vulnerability across ten different template directories means that even partial exploitation could provide attackers with multiple attack vectors, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns. Organizations using affected versions of BRIM face significant risk of compromise, especially if the application is publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause of the insecure file inclusion practices. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-controllable parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should update to the latest version of BRIM where this vulnerability has been patched, as the vendor would have implemented proper parameter validation and sanitization measures. Additionally, implementing a web application firewall that can detect and block suspicious file inclusion patterns would provide an additional layer of protection. Security configurations should include disabling the ability to include remote files through user input, and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly regarding input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application development. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.