CVE-2007-5802 in Synergiser
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Firewolf Technologies Synergiser 1.2 RC1 and earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the page parameter. NOTE: this can be leveraged to obtain the path by including a local PHP script with a duplicate function declaration.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5802 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Firewolf Technologies Synergiser 1.2 RC1 and earlier versions. This security weakness resides in the index.php file and enables remote attackers to manipulate the page parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences, thereby gaining unauthorized access to local file systems. The vulnerability operates by exploiting insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing, allowing malicious actors to navigate beyond intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary local files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. This weakness occurs when applications fail to adequately validate or sanitize file paths received from untrusted sources, particularly when these paths are directly incorporated into file system operations without proper sanitization or normalization. The attack vector leverages the fundamental principle that .. sequences in file paths represent parent directory references, and when improperly handled, can allow attackers to traverse upward through directory structures to access files outside of the intended application scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. When combined with the ability to include local PHP scripts, attackers can leverage the vulnerability to obtain sensitive path information by including scripts that declare duplicate functions, effectively exposing the system's file structure and potentially revealing critical information about the application's deployment environment. This reconnaissance capability significantly amplifies the threat level, as it enables attackers to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific system components or configuration files that may contain sensitive credentials or system information.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. Attackers can use this vulnerability to gain access to system files and potentially escalate privileges by accessing configuration files or other sensitive system resources. The technique of including local PHP scripts with duplicate function declarations represents a sophisticated approach to information gathering that can be used to map the target environment and identify potential additional vulnerabilities or attack vectors. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Synergiser face significant risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and potential system compromise, as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication or special privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available version of Firewolf Technologies Synergiser that addresses this directory traversal issue. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Organizations should establish strict parameter validation procedures that reject or sanitize any input containing .. sequences or other path traversal indicators. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted networks, while regular security audits and code reviews can help identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.