CVE-2006-5522 in Kawf
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Johannes Erdfelt Kawf 1.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the config parameter in (1) main.php or (2) user/account/main.php.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5522 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Kawf 1.0 web application framework and earlier versions. This vulnerability exists within the parameter handling mechanisms of two specific files within the application's codebase, namely main.php and user/account/main.php. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the config parameter through URL-based input, creating a pathway for remote code execution that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected systems.
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 addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for the config parameter, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization, leading to the inclusion of external PHP files that can contain malicious code. This represents a classic example of a remote file inclusion vulnerability where user-controllable input directly influences the file inclusion mechanism, bypassing normal security controls.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe threat landscape for organizations running affected versions of the Kawf framework. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially gaining full administrative control over the web server. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability can be exploited to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise, especially when the web application runs with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions that address the file inclusion flaw. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from influencing file inclusion operations. The principle of input validation should be enforced using allow-list approaches for parameter values, ensuring that only predetermined, safe values are accepted. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, using PHP's configuration settings such as allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include set to off. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection, though they should not be relied upon as the sole defense mechanism. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security audits to identify other potential remote file inclusion vulnerabilities within their application frameworks, as this type of flaw often indicates broader architectural security weaknesses that require systematic remediation approaches aligned with security best practices established in frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.