CVE-2006-5734 in ATutor
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in ATutor 1.5.3.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) section parameter in (a) documentation/common/frame_toc.php and (b) documentation/common/search.php, the (2) req_lang parameter in documentation/common/search.php and (c) documentation/common/vitals.inc.php, the (3) row[dir_name] parameter in (d) include/classes/module/module.class.php, and the (4) lang_path parameter in (e) include/classes/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php. NOTE: the print.php vector is already covered by CVE-2005-3404.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The CVE-2006-5734 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting ATutor version 1.5.3.2, a widely used open-source learning management system. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within multiple PHP scripts that dynamically include files based on user-supplied parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that get executed as PHP code on the target server, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability impacts several key components of the ATutor application including documentation modules, search functionality, module handling, and email library components, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core application functionality.
The technical exploitation occurs through four distinct vectors that demonstrate poor security practices in parameter handling. The first vector involves the section parameter in documentation/common/frame_toc.php and documentation/common/search.php, where user input directly influences file inclusion operations. The second vector targets the req_lang parameter in the same search.php file, while the third involves the row[dir_name] parameter in include/classes/module/module.class.php, which processes module directory names. The fourth vector affects the lang_path parameter in include/classes/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php, where language path variables are used in file inclusion contexts. These vulnerabilities align with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code. The attack pattern follows the typical remote file inclusion methodology where malicious URLs are crafted to include attacker-controlled files, often leveraging web shells or command execution payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution, enabling attackers to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised server for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the entire ATutor application ecosystem, potentially compromising user data, course materials, and institutional information. Given that ATutor was commonly deployed in educational institutions and corporate training environments, the implications extend beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, intellectual property theft, and service disruption. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering execution of commands through various interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5734 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The primary solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization across all user-supplied parameters that influence file inclusion operations. This includes using whitelisting approaches for parameter values, implementing proper path validation, and avoiding dynamic file inclusion based on user input. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of ATutor 1.5.3.3 or later, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Additional defensive measures include disabling remote file inclusion in PHP configuration, implementing web application firewalls to detect malicious patterns, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly when dealing with dynamic file operations in web applications.