CVE-2006-5951 in Exophpdesk
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in pipe.php in Exophpdesk 1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the lang_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5951 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Exophpdesk 1.2 web application, specifically affecting the pipe.php component. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data before incorporating it into the application's execution flow. The affected parameter lang_file serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that point to remote resources containing malicious PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vectors that have been consistently documented in security frameworks such as CWE-88 and CWE-94, which specifically address issues related to improper input validation and code injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the lang_file parameter in the pipe.php script. The application, lacking proper validation controls, directly includes this remote resource without adequate sanitization, allowing the malicious PHP code to execute within the context of the web server. This execution model enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, server compromise, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of remote access tools and techniques to establish persistent access through vulnerable web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise and data integrity threats. Successful exploitation can result in complete server takeover, allowing attackers to manipulate application data, access sensitive information, or deploy additional malicious payloads. Organizations running Exophpdesk 1.2 are particularly vulnerable as the flaw exists in the core application functionality and affects the fundamental security posture of the system. The vulnerability's persistence is enhanced by the fact that it can be triggered through simple web requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader web application security frameworks and ensure that proper input validation controls are implemented to prevent similar issues. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper parameter validation and avoiding direct inclusion of user-supplied data in server-side execution contexts, which is a fundamental principle of secure coding practices and aligns with OWASP Top Ten security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5951 should focus on immediate patching of the Exophpdesk 1.2 application to address the vulnerable pipe.php component. Organizations must implement strict input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for acceptable language file parameters can prevent unauthorized remote resource inclusion. Security measures should also include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable application components. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized code execution through parameter manipulation. Network-based detection mechanisms should be deployed to monitor for suspicious requests containing potential remote file inclusion patterns, providing early warning capabilities for exploitation attempts.