CVE-2006-5730 in MODX
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in manager/media/browser/mcpuk/connectors/php/Commands/Thumbnail.php in Modx CMS 0.9.2.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the base_path parameter. NOTE: it is possible that this is a vulnerability in FCKeditor.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5730 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Modx Content Management System version 0.9.2.1 and earlier releases. This security weakness resides in the Thumbnail.php file located within the manager/media/browser/mcpuk/connectors/php/Commands/ directory structure, which is part of the broader Modx ecosystem. The vulnerability specifically affects the base_path parameter handling, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with remote code execution vulnerabilities that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and classified under CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an eval context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the base_path parameter within the Thumbnail.php script, which accepts user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the base_path parameter, the system processes this input directly within a PHP context, allowing for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls squarely within the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, specifically targeting web application interfaces that handle file operations and path parameters. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling full system compromise.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. The affected Modx versions were widely deployed in web environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that had not yet implemented security patches or updates. Attackers could leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, or perform further reconnaissance within the network. The vulnerability's classification as a remote file inclusion issue aligns with common exploitation patterns documented in security advisories, where attackers typically seek to gain unauthorized access to web server resources and execute malicious payloads through vulnerable input parameters.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Modx CMS to version 0.9.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the base_path parameter validation. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing, particularly those used in file path operations. The implementation of proper access controls and web application firewalls can provide additional defense layers against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar patterns in other applications and ensure that all third-party components are regularly updated to address known security flaws. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation practices as recommended in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.