CVE-2006-6590 in AR Memberscript
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in usercp_menu.php in AR Memberscript allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the script_folder parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6590 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in AR Memberscript's usercp_menu.php component. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vulnerabilities, which are classified as CWE-829 within the CWE database. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic file inclusion operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the script_folder parameter through a URL, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw specifically affects the user control panel menu functionality where the application accepts external URLs without proper verification, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the script_folder parameter to the vulnerable usercp_menu.php file. This allows the application to include and execute remote PHP files, effectively granting attackers remote code execution capabilities on the affected system. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of improper input validation that enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially escalate privileges. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication or specialized tools beyond basic web browser capabilities. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which specifically addresses attacks targeting publicly accessible web applications that lack proper input validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6590 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire server infrastructures. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running AR Memberscript versions affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability affects the application's ability to maintain proper security boundaries, as it allows external code execution that can bypass traditional security controls. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper parameter handling in web applications, particularly in user-facing components where external data is processed. The attack surface is broad as any user with access to the vulnerable application can potentially exploit this weakness, making it a high-priority remediation target for security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6590 should focus on immediate code-level fixes and broader security hardening measures. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable remote file inclusion capabilities entirely by configuring PHP settings to restrict include operations to local files only. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation that rejects external URLs and validates all input against predefined whitelists significantly reduces risk exposure. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. The fix requires modifying the usercp_menu.php script to ensure that script_folder parameter values are properly validated and sanitized before any file inclusion operations are performed. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that may exist in other application components, as this vulnerability type is commonly found in legacy applications that lack modern security controls. Organizations should also implement proper monitoring and logging to detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues in future releases.