CVE-2006-5493 in DigitalHive
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in template/purpletech/base_include.php in DigitalHive 2.0 RC2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5493 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the DigitalHive content management system version 2.0 RC2. This issue resides within the template/purpletech/base_include.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters. The specific parameter affected is named 'page', which when manipulated by an attacker can be used to inject malicious URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code on the target server. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing insufficient validation of a dangerous or unexpected input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing PHP code and passes it through the vulnerable 'page' parameter. The DigitalHive application processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing the remote file inclusion to occur. When the application attempts to include the specified file, it executes the malicious PHP code contained within the remote URL, providing attackers with arbitrary code execution capabilities on the affected server. This vulnerability directly enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain complete control over the compromised system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications hosting sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1021.004 for remote services. The attack surface is significant since the vulnerability affects the core template inclusion mechanism of the CMS, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate database credentials, or deploy additional malware. Organizations running DigitalHive 2.0 RC2 are at risk of complete system compromise, especially when the application is hosted in environments with default configurations or weak access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5493 should focus on immediate patching of the DigitalHive application to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed through the 'page' parameter. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion capabilities and implementing proper access controls for template directories. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that proper security measures are in place to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect suspicious file inclusion activities and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to address similar issues in the future.