CVE-2006-6726 in inertianews
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inertianews_main.php in inertianews 0.02 beta allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the inews_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6726 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the inertianews 0.02 beta content management system. This vulnerability resides in the inertianews_main.php script where the inews_path parameter is improperly validated, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw stems from the application's failure to sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for remote code execution attacks that can compromise the entire web server infrastructure.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and buffer injection. The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the application accepts the inews_path parameter without proper validation, enabling attackers to pass malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP scripts. When the application processes this parameter through include or require statements, it executes the remote code as if it were part of the legitimate application, effectively granting attackers full control over the server's execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data stored on the server, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability enables T1059.007 Remote Services and T1505.003 Server-side Injection techniques, facilitating lateral movement and privilege escalation within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Developers should employ allowlists of permitted values rather than denylists, and implement strict validation of file paths to prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, using local file paths only for include operations. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, conduct regular security audits of application code, and ensure that all third-party components are kept up to date with the latest security patches. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security practices and ISO/IEC 27001 information security standards.