CVE-2006-5497 in Segue CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in themes/program/themesettings.inc.php in Segue CMS 1.5.8 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the themesdir parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5497 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Segue CMS 1.5.8 and earlier versions. This issue specifically targets the themesettings.inc.php file located in the themes/program directory of the content management system. The flaw manifests when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target server. The vulnerability exploits the themesdir parameter which is used to specify the directory containing theme files, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges and compromise the entire system.
The technical nature of 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 flaw occurs because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into the include statement without proper sanitization or validation. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, effectively allowing attackers to manipulate the themesdir parameter through crafted HTTP requests. This creates a path traversal scenario where an attacker can specify any URL as the themesdir parameter, leading to the remote inclusion of malicious PHP code from external servers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Segue CMS installations where register_globals remains enabled. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain access to sensitive data, modify content, establish backdoors, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects not just the specific CMS instance but could potentially be used as a stepping stone for broader network infiltration, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same infrastructure.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation measures and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, which eliminates the core condition that enables the attack. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous checking before being used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ whitelisting approaches for theme directory selection rather than accepting arbitrary paths, and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, while following the ATT&CK framework's guidance for preventing remote code execution through input validation weaknesses. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system, ensuring comprehensive protection against such threats.