CVE-2006-5439 in Misc Tools
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in adminfoot.php in Comdev Misc Tools 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 vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5439 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Comdev Misc Tools 4.1 web application, specifically affecting the adminfoot.php component. This vulnerability arises from the insecure handling of user-supplied input parameters when the PHP configuration setting register_globals is enabled. The flaw manifests through the path[docroot] parameter which accepts URL values, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it directly leverages the dangerous register_globals feature, which automatically creates PHP variables from request data, effectively bypassing normal input validation mechanisms.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically with CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The attack vector involves an attacker crafting a malicious URL containing PHP code within the path[docroot] parameter, which gets processed by the vulnerable application and executed on the web server. When register_globals is enabled, the application inadvertently creates a variable named path[docroot] from the user input, allowing the malicious payload to be interpreted as executable code rather than mere data. This represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited to gain complete control over the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and further network penetration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, install malware, or use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction and can be automated through various attack frameworks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1021.004 for remote services, demonstrating how the flaw can be used to achieve both execution and lateral movement objectives.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5439 primarily focus on addressing the root cause through proper configuration management and code security practices. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration files, which eliminates the automatic variable creation from request data. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code is essential to prevent malicious input from being processed. The application should employ proper parameter validation, utilize secure coding practices such as input escaping, and avoid direct inclusion of user-supplied data in file path operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious URL patterns targeting this vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against remote file inclusion attacks that could potentially compromise the entire system infrastructure.