CVE-2006-5956 in PHPRunner
Summary
by MITRE
XLineSoft PHPRunner 3.1 stores the (1) database server name, (2) database names, (3) usernames, and (4) passwords in plaintext in %WINDIR%\PHPRunner.ini, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5956 represents a critical security flaw in XLineSoft PHPRunner 3.1, a web application development tool that generates dynamic php scripts for database applications. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of sensitive authentication credentials, which are stored in an unencrypted configuration file located at the Windows system directory. The flaw specifically affects the storage of four critical pieces of information including the database server name, database names, usernames, and passwords, all of which are written to the PHPRunner.ini file in plaintext format. This configuration file structure violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable weakness that directly impacts the confidentiality of sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the application's configuration management practices, where it fails to implement proper encryption or access controls for storing authentication credentials. The plaintext storage of database connection parameters creates a persistent security risk that remains active even when the application is not actively running. The configuration file is stored in the Windows directory, which typically requires elevated privileges to access, but local users with sufficient privileges can easily read the file contents. This flaw directly maps to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of plaintext credentials, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in security design. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and secure configuration management practices that are fundamental to application security.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of systems running XLineSoft PHPRunner 3.1, as it provides attackers with immediate access to database connection information that could be used for unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. Local users who gain access to the system can trivially extract database credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege escalation is possible. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as these database connections could provide access to sensitive corporate or personal data, potentially leading to data breaches, compliance violations, and regulatory penalties. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers the exploitation of credentials stored in configuration files, and represents a common attack vector in the initial access phase of cyber campaigns.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through application updates or patches provided by XLineSoft, as the flaw exists in the core application design and cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes alone. Organizations should implement immediate access controls to restrict local system access to the Windows directory and PHPRunner.ini file, while also conducting comprehensive audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable application. System administrators should consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access or modifications to sensitive configuration files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper credential management, including the implementation of encrypted storage mechanisms for sensitive information. Additionally, organizations should review their overall application security posture and implement regular security assessments to identify similar configuration flaws in other applications that may store sensitive information in plaintext formats. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of following security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to prevent similar issues in application development and deployment processes.