CVE-2006-5621 in Ask Rave
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in end.php in ask_rave 0.9 PR, and other versions before 0.9b, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the footfile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5621 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the ask_rave 0.9 PR software and earlier versions up to 0.9b. This vulnerability resides within the end.php script where the footfile parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations, a classic pattern that has been consistently documented in cybersecurity literature and categorized under CWE-98.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the footfile parameter to the end.php script. The application accepts this parameter and uses it directly in a file inclusion context without proper validation, allowing the attacker to specify any remote URL that contains PHP code. When the application processes this request, it executes the remote PHP code as if it were local content, effectively providing an attacker with arbitrary code execution capabilities on the target server. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for PHP remote file inclusion and represents a significant escalation from a simple input validation issue to a full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5621 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malware, establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects web applications running on PHP environments and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations using affected versions of ask_rave face potential data breaches, system compromise, and complete loss of control over their web infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating to version 0.9b or later where the issue has been patched, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and employing secure coding practices that prevent dynamic file inclusion with untrusted input. The fix typically involves validating the footfile parameter against a whitelist of acceptable values or implementing strict input filtering to prevent URL schemes other than local file paths. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, where such flaws represent common attack vectors that have historically led to widespread system compromises.