CVE-2006-6044 in PHPQuickGallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in gallery_top.inc.php in PHPQuickGallery 1.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the textFile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6044 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within PHPQuickGallery version 1.9 and earlier systems. This vulnerability resides in the gallery_top.inc.php file and specifically targets the textFile parameter which processes user-supplied input without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server by manipulating the textFile parameter with a URL pointing to remote malicious content. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper parameter validation within the PHPQuickGallery application. When the textFile parameter is processed, the application directly incorporates user-provided URLs into its execution flow without verifying their legitimacy or sanitizing their contents. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious PHP code through the URL parameter, which then gets executed by the web server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations running affected versions of PHPQuickGallery. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against internal networks. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations. Organizations may face regulatory penalties and reputational damage if sensitive information is compromised through such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also enables attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain access to other systems within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6044 should focus on immediate patching of the affected PHPQuickGallery installations to version 2.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at the application level to prevent unsanitized user input from being processed. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP, demonstrating how this flaw fits within established cybersecurity frameworks for threat analysis and defense planning.