CVE-2006-5548 in OTSCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in OTSCMS/OTSCMS.php in Open Tibia Server Content Management System (OTSCMS) 2.0.0 through 2.1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the GLOBALS[config][directories][classes] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The CVE-2006-5548 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Open Tibia Server Content Management System version 2.0.0 through 2.1.3. This vulnerability resides in the OTSCMS.php file and specifically targets the GLOBALS[config][directories][classes] parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate input parameters and load external malicious code into the application's execution environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation and sanitization within the OTSCMS application. When the application processes the GLOBALS[config][directories][classes] parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows an attacker to supply a malicious URL that points to external PHP code, which gets executed within the context of the web server process. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-88 as improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and more specifically as CWE-94 as execution of arbitrary code in a web application context. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, specifically targeting the remote code execution capability through parameter manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, allowing attackers to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability affects the entire OTSCMS ecosystem and poses significant risk to online gaming communities that rely on these platforms for their server infrastructure. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face potential data breaches, service disruption, and compromise of user information stored within the CMS.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5548 require immediate patching of the OTSCMS application to versions that properly validate and sanitize input parameters. System administrators should implement proper input validation measures that prevent URL inclusion in configuration parameters and employ secure coding practices that avoid dynamic file inclusion based on user-supplied input. The solution involves implementing strict parameter validation, using allowlists for acceptable values, and ensuring that all external resource references are properly sanitized. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to vulnerable applications, while implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection measures and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within their infrastructure.