CVE-2006-5436: PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in FreeFAQ 1.0.e allows remote attackers to execute arbit

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-5436 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting freefaq. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in FreeFAQ 1.0.e allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the faqpath parameter.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.1% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-10-20
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: freefaq

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-10-20 23:07 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:31 UTCUpdated Record last modified

freefaq freefaq DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.e

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.e

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy freefaq || rpm -q freefaq || freefaq --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.e (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison freefaq sudo apt install freefaq=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.e> sudo apt-mark hold freefaq

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list freefaq sudo dnf downgrade freefaq-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.e> sudo dnf versionlock add freefaq

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Free FAQ 1.0 - 'index.php' Remote File Inclusion

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2006-5436?

freefaq: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2006-5436 being exploited?

CVE-2006-5436 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2006-5436 affect?

CVE-2006-5436 affects freefaq. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in FreeFAQ 1.0.e allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the faqpath parameter.

How urgent is CVE-2006-5436?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

References

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