CVE-2006-7017 in Indexu
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Indexu 5.0.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the admin_template_path parameter to admin/ scripts (1) app_change_email.php, (2) app_change_pwd.php, (3) app_mod_rewrite.php, (4) app_page_caching.php, (5) app_setup.php, (6) cat_add.php, (7) cat_delete.php, (8) cat_edit.php, (9) cat_path_update.php, (10) cat_search.php, (11) cat_struc.php, (12) cat_view.php, (13) cat_view_hidden.php, (14) cat_view_hierarchy.php, (15) cat_view_registered_only.php, (16) checkurl_web.php, (17) db_alter.php, (18) db_alter_change.php, (19) db_backup.php, (20) db_export.php, (21) db_import.php, (22) editor_add.php, (23) editor_delete.php, (24) editor_validate.php, (25) head.php, (26) index.php, (27) inv_config.php, (28) inv_config_payment.php, (29) inv_create.php, (30) inv_delete.php, (31) inv_edit.php, (32) inv_markpaid.php, (33) inv_markunpaid.php, (34) inv_overdue.php, (35) inv_paid.php, (36) inv_send.php, (37) inv_unpaid.php, (38) lang_modify.php, (39) link_add.php, (40) link_bad.php, (41) link_bad_delete.php, (42) link_checkurl.php, (43) link_delete.php, (44) link_duplicate.php, (45) link_edit.php, (46) link_premium_listing.php, (47) link_premium_sponsored.php, (48) link_search.php, (49) link_sponsored_listing.php, (50) link_validate.php, (51) link_validate_edit.php, (52) link_view.php, (53) log_search.php, (54) mail_modify.php, (55) menu.php, (56) message_create.php, (57) message_delete.php, (58) message_edit.php, (59) message_send.php, (60) message_subscriber.php, (61) message_view.php, (62) review_validate.php, (63) review_validate_edit.php, (64) summary.php, (65) template_active.php, (66) template_add_custom.php, (67) template_delete.php, (68) template_delete_file.php, (69) template_duplicate.php, (70) template_export.php, (71) template_import.php, (72) template_manager.php, (73) template_modify.php, (74) template_modify_file.php, (75) template_rename.php, (76) user_add.php, (77) user_delete.php, (78) user_edit.php, (79) user_search.php, and (80) whos.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-7017 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Indexu 5.0.1, a web-based content management system. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within numerous administrative scripts that accept user-supplied URLs through the admin_template_path parameter. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code by manipulating the parameter value, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects a comprehensive list of 80 administrative scripts, indicating a systemic issue rather than an isolated incident, which significantly amplifies the attack surface and potential impact.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic remote file inclusion pattern where user-controllable input is directly incorporated into file inclusion directives without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the admin_template_path parameter, the application processes this input and attempts to include the specified file, thereby executing arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This flaw directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of file inclusion vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services through remote file inclusion attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, access sensitive data, modify content, and establish persistent access to the compromised system. Given that the affected scripts are administrative interfaces, successful exploitation could provide attackers with complete control over the content management system, potentially leading to data breaches, defacement, or use as a launching point for further attacks against the internal network. The widespread nature of affected scripts across different functional areas of the application increases the probability of successful exploitation and the potential damage that can be achieved.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures across all affected scripts. The primary remediation involves ensuring that the admin_template_path parameter is properly validated and sanitized before being used in any file inclusion operations. This includes implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable template paths, disabling remote file inclusion features entirely, and implementing proper access controls for administrative interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO/IEC 27001 security standards, emphasizing that proper parameter validation is essential for preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities in web applications.