CVE-2006-5899 in Acid Stats
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in install.php3 in @cid stats 2.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the repertoire parameter. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by a third party, who states that install.php3 is supposed to be deleted after installation and, if not deleted, intentionally allows setting repertoire without an inclusion attack
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5899 pertains to a remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the @cid stats 2.3 web application, specifically within the install.php3 file. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a critical security weakness that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code. According to the initial description, the flaw exists in the repertoire parameter of the install.php3 script, which accepts URL inputs that can be manipulated to include remote files. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that could be exploited through web application interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the install.php3 script. When the repertoire parameter receives a URL value, the application does not adequately verify or sanitize this input before processing it, potentially leading to the inclusion of malicious remote files. This flaw creates a pathway for attackers to leverage the application's file inclusion functionality to load and execute arbitrary PHP code from remote servers. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it occurs during the installation phase of the application, when administrative privileges or elevated access might be present, making the potential damage more severe. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving command and control through web shell or code injection, where adversaries establish persistence and execute commands on compromised systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could potentially upload malicious PHP scripts that provide backdoor access, data exfiltration capabilities, or serve as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it occurs in an installation script, which suggests that the application may be in a vulnerable state during its initial deployment phase. Organizations using @cid stats 2.3 would face significant risk if the installation script remains accessible after deployment, as this creates an ongoing attack surface that could be exploited by threat actors. The vulnerability's disputed nature adds complexity to its assessment, as third-party claims suggest that the install.php3 file should be deleted post-installation, indicating a potential misconfiguration or improper deployment practice rather than an inherent flaw in the application's core functionality.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability encompass multiple layers of security controls and deployment practices. Organizations should immediately ensure that installation scripts are removed or secured after the initial setup process is complete, which aligns with the principle of least privilege and reduces the attack surface. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application code would prevent malicious URLs from being processed in the repertoire parameter. Security configurations should include disabling remote file inclusion features and ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped or validated before processing. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional monitoring and protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider conducting regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications, while maintaining updated security patches and following secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.