CVE-2006-5615 in Textpattern
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in publish.php in Textpattern 1.19, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the txpcfg[txpath] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5615 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Textpattern content management system version 1.19. This security weakness specifically targets the publish.php script and exploits a dangerous configuration parameter named txpcfg[txpath] that accepts URL values. The vulnerability becomes exploitable when the PHP environment has register_globals enabled, a deprecated configuration setting that automatically converts HTTP request variables into global variables. This particular flaw falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, though more specifically relates to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a code injection technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique related to PHP code injection, where attackers leverage the global variable exposure to manipulate script execution flow.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-controllable input within the publish.php file. When register_globals is enabled, the txpcfg[txpath] parameter becomes accessible as a global variable, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote code repositories. The vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization and validation, enabling attackers to include external PHP files that contain malicious code. This creates a chain of execution where the remote file is included and subsequently executed on the target server, providing attackers with arbitrary code execution capabilities. The flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal and code inclusion vulnerability where user input directly influences the include_path variable without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction to exploit and can be automated through various attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5615 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, install malware, or perform data theft operations. The remote code execution allows for privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments, particularly when the web server has elevated permissions. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can modify or delete content, access sensitive user information, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks. Organizations using Textpattern 1.19 with register_globals enabled face severe operational risks, including potential service disruption, compliance violations, and reputation damage. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and script kiddies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5615 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals configuration setting in PHP environments, which is a fundamental security practice that has been deprecated since PHP 5.3.0 and removed in PHP 5.4.0. Organizations should upgrade to supported versions of Textpattern and ensure that all web applications follow secure coding practices that prevent user input from directly influencing include or require statements. Implementing input validation and sanitization measures, including the use of allowlists for acceptable input values, can prevent malicious URLs from being processed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious include patterns and block known malicious payloads. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems, while proper access controls and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.