CVE-2006-5555 in EPNadmin
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in constantes.inc.php in EPNadmin 0.7 and 0.7.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the langage parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5555 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in EPNadmin version 0.7 and 0.7.1, specifically within the constantes.inc.php file. This vulnerability arises from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data before incorporating it into the application's execution flow. The affected parameter named 'langage' serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths that the application subsequently attempts to include and execute. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code through insecure dynamic code generation. The vulnerability enables attackers to leverage the remote file inclusion mechanism to execute malicious PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the langage parameter to include a malicious remote file or local file that contains PHP code. The application processes this parameter without adequate validation, allowing the inclusion of external resources that can be hosted on attacker-controlled servers. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary commands, upload malware, or establish backdoors on the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a high-severity issue that can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable application. The flaw essentially permits the application to act as a conduit for executing attacker-controlled code, which aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5555 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system. Successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data theft, privilege escalation, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, exfiltrate sensitive information, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, as it allows unauthenticated remote code execution. Organizations using EPNadmin versions 0.7 and 0.7.1 face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also impacts the application's availability, as attackers can potentially cause denial of service through resource exhaustion or system instability. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities. The impact severity is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the wild, making it a common target for automated attacks and malware distribution. Organizations must implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and application hardening measures to protect against this vulnerability. The remediation process requires updating to patched versions of EPNadmin, implementing proper input validation, and potentially disabling remote file inclusion functionality entirely. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of why secure coding practices and regular security assessments are essential for maintaining application security and preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities.