CVE-2006-6086 in e-Ark
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in src/ark_inc.php in e-Ark 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cfg_pear_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2026
The CVE-2006-6086 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the e-Ark 1.0 content management system that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected installations. This vulnerability exists within the src/ark_inc.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters. The specific weakness lies in how the application processes the cfg_pear_path parameter, which is directly incorporated into a file inclusion mechanism without adequate security controls. This allows an attacker to manipulate the parameter with a malicious URL that gets executed as PHP code on the target server, effectively enabling remote code execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal and code injection vulnerability where user input directly influences the file inclusion process. Attackers can exploit this by crafting a malicious URL in the cfg_pear_path parameter that points to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code, which then gets executed within the context of the web application. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack vectors including web application exploitation and remote code execution techniques.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates severe consequences for organizations using e-Ark 1.0 systems, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. The remote code execution capability enables threat actors to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage when such vulnerabilities are exploited in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6086 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected e-Ark 1.0 installations with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures that prevent user-supplied parameters from influencing file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file paths, where only predetermined safe locations are allowed, provides a robust defense mechanism against such attacks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in preventing insecure direct object references and code injection attacks.