CVE-2006-5588 in CMS Faethon
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in CMS Faethon 2.0 Ultimate and earlier, when register_globals and magic_quotes_gpc are enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mainpath parameter to (1) includes/rss-reader.php or (2) admin/config.php, different vectors than CVE-2006-3185.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The CVE-2006-5588 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting CMS Faethon versions 2.0 Ultimate and earlier. This vulnerability specifically exploits the insecure handling of user input within the application's parameter processing mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the mainpath parameter, allowing malicious input to be directly incorporated into file inclusion operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the combination of two dangerous PHP configurations: register_globals enabled and magic_quotes_gpc enabled. When register_globals is active, it automatically creates global variables from request parameters, making it easier for attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted input. The magic_quotes_gpc setting, while designed to prevent certain injection attacks, actually creates a false sense of security that can be bypassed in specific scenarios. The vulnerability occurs in two distinct locations within the CMS: the includes/rss-reader.php file and the admin/config.php file, each representing different attack vectors that can be leveraged by threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution, enabling attackers to upload malware, establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not just individual websites but potentially entire web infrastructures, as attackers can leverage the compromised CMS to target other systems or services. The attack vectors differ from CVE-2006-3185, indicating that this represents a distinct but equally dangerous class of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities that can be exploited through different entry points within the same application.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how a single vulnerability can enable multiple attack techniques. The flaw represents a classic example of unsafe dynamic code execution, where user-controllable input is directly used in file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation. Organizations should immediately implement patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, as the combination of these specific PHP configurations creates a dangerous attack surface that has been widely exploited in the wild.
The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the CMS to version 2.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should disable register_globals in the PHP configuration, as this setting fundamentally undermines application security by automatically creating global variables from request data. The application should also implement proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though the most effective mitigation remains the immediate application of vendor patches and the hardening of PHP configurations to prevent the conditions that enable this vulnerability.