CVE-2006-5895 in EncapsCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in core/core.php in EncapsCMS 0.3.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the root parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5895 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in EncapsCMS version 0.3.6 that fundamentally undermines the application's security posture. This issue resides within the core/core.php file and specifically targets the root parameter handling mechanism, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category, which specifically addresses the inclusion of files based on user-controllable input without proper validation, making it a classic example of insecure file inclusion practices that have plagued web applications for decades.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the root parameter to include a malicious URL that points to remote code execution payloads. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it directly incorporates the user-supplied URL into a file inclusion directive, effectively allowing the remote attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server with the privileges of the web application. This creates a severe attack surface that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, server compromise, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls and execute code at the system level, potentially leading to complete compromise of the affected server environment. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code, and T1059 which covers the execution of commands through PHP scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the compromised system and conduct extensive reconnaissance activities. Once successfully exploited, attackers can use the compromised server as a platform for launching further attacks against other systems within the network, potentially leading to lateral movement and privilege escalation. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can access sensitive information stored within the application's database or file system. Organizations running EncapsCMS 0.3.6 are particularly vulnerable since this version lacks proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools that scan for known vulnerabilities. The impact is compounded by the fact that such vulnerabilities often remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access while continuing to harvest sensitive data or use the compromised system for malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5895 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization practices. The most effective remediation involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing URL schemes or external references in the root parameter. Organizations should also implement proper file inclusion controls that restrict file access to predefined whitelisted directories and file names, eliminating the possibility of arbitrary file inclusion. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of EncapsCMS that addresses this vulnerability through proper input validation mechanisms. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features entirely and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter values. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing and static code analysis to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Organizations should also establish proper monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.