CVE-2006-5438 in Comdev
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in adminfoot.php in Comdev Forum 4.1, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path[docroot] parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The CVE-2006-5438 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Comdev Forum 4.1 application that exploits a fundamental security weakness in PHP's configuration management. This vulnerability specifically targets the adminfoot.php component and requires the dangerous register_globals PHP setting to be enabled on the server. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input from the path[docroot] parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code into the application's execution flow.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically manifests as a remote code execution vector through insecure file inclusion practices. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, which eliminates the need for explicit variable declarations and creates dangerous injection points. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that manipulate the path[docroot] parameter to reference remote malicious files, effectively allowing them to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable server with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, representing a direct threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gain complete control over the web server hosting the Comdev Forum, potentially allowing them to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework would fall under T1505.003 for Server-side Include and T1059.007 for PowerShell, as attackers could leverage the remote execution capability to deploy additional malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5438 require immediate action to address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying configuration issues. The primary remediation involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration files, which eliminates the core condition necessary for exploitation. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied parameters, including the path[docroot] variable, would prevent malicious URLs from being processed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, input filtering mechanisms, and regular security audits to detect similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper PHP security configurations and highlights how seemingly minor configuration settings can create catastrophic security risks, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.