CVE-2006-5636 in Simple Website Software
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in common.php in Simple Website Software (SWS) 0.99 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the SWSDIR parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5636 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Simple Website Software version 0.99 and earlier systems. This issue resides in the common.php file where the SWSDIR parameter is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into the application's execution flow.
This vulnerability operates under the CWE-98 weakness category, which specifically addresses improper input validation leading to remote file inclusion attacks. The attack vector exploits the lack of proper parameter validation where the SWSDIR parameter accepts external URLs without adequate sanitization. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through this parameter, the application processes it as a valid file path, effectively allowing the remote execution of PHP code from external sources. The vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploit public-facing applications and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically PHP.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, adversaries can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks against internal networks. The remote nature of the vulnerability means attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The affected Simple Website Software version 0.99 and earlier represents a significant security risk since the flaw exists in the core application logic where user input is directly processed without proper security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5636 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against exploitation attempts. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to the latest version of Simple Website Software where this vulnerability has been patched and the improper input handling has been corrected. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques using functions like filter_var with appropriate filters can prevent malicious URLs from being processed. The application should employ a whitelist approach for file inclusion parameters, rejecting any input that does not match predetermined safe patterns. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in the SWSDIR parameter. Security hardening practices should also include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration and implementing proper access controls to limit which users can modify system parameters. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that input validation mechanisms are consistently applied across all user-facing parameters.