CVE-2006-5739 in communityPortals
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in cpadmin/cpa_index.php in Leicestershire communityPortals 1.0_2005-10-18_12-31-18 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cp_root_path parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-5280.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5739 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Leicestershire communityPortals 1.0 software version, specifically affecting the cpadmin/cpa_index.php component. This issue enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the cp_root_path parameter through a URL input, creating a significant security risk for affected systems. The vulnerability operates within the broader context of web application security flaws that have plagued PHP-based systems throughout the mid-2000s era.
This remote file inclusion vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the cpadmin/cpa_index.php script. The flaw occurs when the application accepts user-supplied input through the cp_root_path parameter without proper verification or filtering mechanisms. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the cp_root_path value, the application incorporates this external resource into its execution flow, effectively allowing remote code execution. The vulnerability is classified as a type of injection attack that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a subset of the broader CWE-434 "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" when dealing with remote file inclusion scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows malicious actors to upload and execute arbitrary PHP scripts, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the web application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, as attackers can bypass normal access controls and execute commands with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability directly maps to the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution with techniques such as Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious code.
The security implications of CVE-2006-5739 are particularly severe given that it operates through a different attack vector than the closely related CVE-2006-5280, suggesting a more complex exploitation landscape. Organizations running this specific version of communityPortals face significant exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring any prior authentication or access to the system. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this flaw from anywhere on the internet, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as the application should never trust external input without thorough sanitization and verification.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including patching the application to the latest available version, implementing proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and configuring web server restrictions to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should review and restrict file inclusion capabilities within PHP applications, disable dangerous functions such as allow_url_include, and ensure that all web applications undergo proper security testing including input validation and sanitization reviews. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues from affecting organizational infrastructure.