CVE-2009-0448: Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/modules/aa/preview.php in Syntax Desktop 2.7 allows remote attacker

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2009-0448 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting syntax desktop. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/modules/aa/preview.php in Syntax Desktop 2.7 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the synTarget 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	2.3% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2009-02-10
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: syntax desktop

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-02-10 07:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

syntax desktop syntax desktop DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.7

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy syntax-desktop || rpm -q syntax-desktop || syntax-desktop --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison syntax-desktop sudo apt install syntax-desktop=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7> sudo apt-mark hold syntax-desktop

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

dnf --showduplicates list syntax-desktop sudo dnf downgrade syntax-desktop-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7> sudo dnf versionlock add syntax-desktop

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: Syntax Desktop 2.7 - 'synTarget' Local 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-2009-0448?

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

Is CVE-2009-0448 being exploited?

CVE-2009-0448 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-2009-0448 affect?

CVE-2009-0448 affects syntax desktop. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/modules/aa/preview.php in Syntax Desktop 2.7 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the synTarget parameter.

How urgent is CVE-2009-0448?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

References

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