CVE-2006-7146 in Leicestershire communityPortals
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in bug.php in Leicestershire communityPortals 1.0 build 20051018 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cp_root_path parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-5280. NOTE: CVE disputes this issue, since bug.php is not in communityPortals source distributions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7146 represents a remote file inclusion flaw within the Leicestershire communityPortals 1.0 software version, specifically affecting builds prior to 20051018. This issue manifests in the bug.php script where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs through the cp_root_path parameter. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers inadequate control of generation of code. The security implications of this flaw extend beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the cp_root_path parameter. When a malicious attacker supplies a URL containing malicious PHP code, the application's insecure handling of this parameter results in the remote inclusion and execution of attacker-controlled code. This represents a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that operates outside the bounds of normal application functionality, allowing unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the web application. The attack vector differs from CVE-2006-5280, indicating that this represents a distinct vulnerability within the same software ecosystem, though the vulnerability's existence has been disputed due to the absence of bug.php in official source distributions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive data, system resources, and the ability to establish persistent access points. Organizations utilizing affected versions of communityPortals face risks including complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for local access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to external networks. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper parameter handling in web applications, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks and aligned with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the communityPortals software where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper input sanitization and parameter validation. Organizations should implement input validation controls at multiple layers, including web application firewalls, proper parameter sanitization, and the elimination of dynamic code inclusion practices. The vulnerability's disputed status regarding source distribution availability highlights the importance of maintaining proper software inventory management and ensuring that only officially distributed versions are deployed in production environments. Additional defensive measures include implementing least privilege access controls, monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the system landscape.