CVE-2006-5458 in phpht Topsites
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in common.php in Hinton Design phpht Topsites allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpht_real_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5458 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phpht Topsites script developed by Hinton Design. This vulnerability exists within the common.php file and specifically targets the phpht_real_path parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then processed by the application without proper security checks. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation issues that have been consistently documented in security frameworks and standards.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the phpht_real_path parameter to include a URL pointing to malicious PHP code hosted on a remote server. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it attempts to include and execute the remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to run arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web application. This represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability that can be leveraged to gain full control over the affected server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation and execution, and also corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in parameter handling and remote file inclusion validation that has been a recurring issue in web application development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once exploited, an attacker can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects web applications running the specific version of phpht Topsites that contains the vulnerable common.php file, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not updated their software components. This type of vulnerability is often exploited in automated attacks targeting known vulnerable applications, making it a prime candidate for exploitation by both skilled attackers and automated malware. The implications extend beyond immediate code execution to include potential data breaches, system infiltration, and the establishment of backdoors for continued unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching and updating of the affected phpht Topsites application to the latest version that addresses this specific flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent malicious URLs from being processed through the phpht_real_path parameter. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing proper parameter validation, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications. The remediation process should also involve reviewing and updating security policies, ensuring that all web applications undergo proper security testing before deployment, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following secure coding practices that prevent dangerous parameter handling and remote inclusion operations.