CVE-2006-5665 in Spider Friendly
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/modules_data.php in the phpBB module Spider Friendly 1.3.10 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5665 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phpBB module Spider Friendly version 1.3.10 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the admin/modules_data.php file and operates through the phpbb_root_path parameter, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices that fail to adequately filter user-supplied data before using it in file inclusion operations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates how an attacker can manipulate the phpbb_root_path parameter to reference external URLs containing malicious PHP code. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, it effectively includes and executes the remote code within the context of the web server, providing attackers with complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of input validation failure and dynamic code execution, making it particularly dangerous in web application environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5665 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected web application. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but also potentially exposes underlying database systems and other network resources that the application interacts with. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which covers execution through scripting languages, making it a significant threat vector in cybersecurity assessments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected phpBB module to version 1.3.11 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous filtering before being used in file inclusion operations. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion capabilities to only trusted local paths and implementing proper access controls. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns and anomalous network traffic. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar flaws in other applications and modules within the web infrastructure.