CVE-2006-5669 in Gepi
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in gestion/savebackup.php in Gepi 1.4.0 and earlier, and possibly other versions before 1.4.4, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the filename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5669 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Gepi version 1.4.0 and earlier, with potential impacts extending to versions prior to 1.4.4. This vulnerability resides within the gestion/savebackup.php component of the Gepi application, which is a school management system designed to handle educational institution data. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate user input passed through the filename parameter, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and improper parameter handling within the application's file management functions, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted URLs in the filename parameter.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and CWE-94, which addresses improper control of generation of code. The attack vector leverages the application's trust in user-provided data without sufficient validation, enabling attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious code within the application's context. The flaw operates by allowing remote attackers to specify a URL in the filename parameter that points to malicious PHP code hosted on an external server. When the application processes this parameter, it attempts to include and execute the specified file, effectively granting the attacker remote code execution capabilities on the vulnerable system. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is accessible over the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive educational data, manipulate student records, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the Gepi application, which typically handles personal information of students, parents, and staff members. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1078 for valid accounts usage, though the attack does not require legitimate credentials. The compromise of such systems can lead to regulatory violations under data protection laws and significant reputational damage to educational institutions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5669 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to Gepi version 1.4.4 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Administrators should implement input validation mechanisms that reject suspicious URLs or file paths containing potentially dangerous characters. The application should employ secure coding practices such as using allowlists for acceptable file paths and implementing proper error handling to prevent information disclosure. Network-level protections including firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and implement principle of least privilege access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure parameter handling and input validation in web applications, particularly those processing user-provided data in file operations.