CVE-2006-5928 in phpJobScheduler
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Phpjobscheduler 3.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the installed_config_file parameter to (1) add-modify.php, (2) delete.php, (3) modify.php, and (4) phpjobscheduler.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5928 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Phpjobscheduler version 3.0, which falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation issues. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs into the application's parameter handling mechanism, specifically targeting the installed_config_file parameter across four key script files. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper input sanitization and validation that directly violates security best practices for web application development.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file system operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through the installed_config_file parameter, the application treats this input as a legitimate configuration file path, potentially executing arbitrary PHP code contained within the remote resource. This behavior directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to remote file inclusion attacks, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The vulnerability exists across multiple entry points including add-modify.php, delete.php, modify.php, and phpjobscheduler.php, indicating a systemic flaw in the application's parameter handling architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on the affected server. An attacker could potentially upload malicious PHP payloads that would execute with the privileges of the web server process, leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability also enables attackers to perform reconnaissance, establish persistence mechanisms, and potentially pivot to other systems within the network. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects core administrative functions of the job scheduler system, allowing unauthorized individuals to manipulate job configurations and potentially disrupt business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures, including implementing strict parameter validation and rejecting any input that contains suspicious URL patterns or protocols. Organizations should implement proper input filtering techniques to prevent the inclusion of remote URLs in configuration parameters, while also applying the principle of least privilege to limit the web server's file system access. The remediation process must include updating to patched versions of Phpjobscheduler, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all input handling mechanisms. Additionally, security measures should address the underlying architectural issues by implementing proper parameter validation, using allowlists for acceptable input values, and ensuring that all external resource inclusion is explicitly authorized and securely validated. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks and demonstrates how seemingly simple parameter handling can create catastrophic security implications.