Severity by source
AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from GitHub Advisory · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorGitHub Advisory
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Lifecycle Timeline
7DescriptionGitHub Advisory
FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Prior to version 1.8.215, FreeScout's module installation feature extracts ZIP archives without validating file paths, allowing an authenticated admin to write files arbitrarily on the server filesystem via a specially crafted ZIP. Version 1.8.215 fixes the vulnerability.
AnalysisAI
Arbitrary file write in FreeScout (prior to 1.8.215) allows authenticated administrators to achieve remote code execution by uploading malicious ZIP archives during module installation. The path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) enables attackers to write files to any location on the server filesystem, including web-accessible directories where PHP shells can be placed. With CVSS 9.1 (Critical) and EPSS data not provided, the primary risk factor is the changed scope (S:C) indicating potential container/hosting infrastructure compromise beyond the application itself. No active exploitation confirmed (not in CISA KEV) and no public POC identified at time of analysis, though the fix commit provides implementation details that could facilitate exploit development.
Technical ContextAI
FreeScout is an open-source PHP-based help desk and shared inbox application. The vulnerability exists in the module installation subsystem, which processes ZIP archives containing module code and assets. The application fails to sanitize or validate file paths within ZIP entries before extraction, a classic ZIP Slip vulnerability pattern (CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory). An attacker can craft ZIP entries with paths like '../../../var/www/html/shell.php' to escape the intended extraction directory. The affected CPE (cpe:2.3:a:freescout-help-desk:freescout:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*) indicates all versions prior to 1.8.215 are vulnerable. The CVSS vector PR:H (high privileges required) confirms this requires admin-level access to the module installation feature, while S:C (changed scope) suggests the attacker can break out of the application security boundary to compromise the underlying web server or container.
RemediationAI
Upgrade immediately to FreeScout version 1.8.215 or later, available at https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/releases/tag/1.8.215. The fix implemented in commit 14f17a5cd22d217103a72b431b47b1f06996227b adds path validation during ZIP extraction to prevent directory traversal. For environments unable to upgrade immediately, implement compensating controls: restrict module installation functionality to a single trusted administrator account with strong MFA enforcement (reduces PR:H attack surface), monitor filesystem for unexpected file writes outside application directories using file integrity monitoring (detects exploitation attempts), and deploy FreeScout behind a web application firewall configured to detect path traversal patterns in upload requests (though this may not fully prevent ZIP-based attacks). Note that disabling module installation entirely via configuration may break legitimate administrative workflows. Each mitigation has trade-offs: restricted admin access increases operational friction, FIM generates investigation overhead, and WAF rules may cause false positives on legitimate module uploads. Patching to 1.8.215 remains the definitive solution with no functional impact.
File upload bypass in FreeScout 1.8.206 — patch bypass for CVE-2026-27636. PoC and patch available. CVSS 10.0.
Remote code execution in FreeScout prior to version 1.8.206 allows authenticated users to upload `.htaccess` files that
Predictable password reset tokens in FreeScout help desk before 1.8.206. Weak random number generation allows attackers
FreeScout is a self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.0), this vulnerability is remot
FreeScout is a self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is remotely
FreeScout is an open source help desk and shared inbox built with PHP. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerabilit
FreeScout is a free, self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is r
FreeScout is a free, self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is r
A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists in FreeScout help desk software versions 1.8.208 and below, whe
Unauthenticated account takeover in FreeScout versions prior to 1.8.217 allows remote attackers to gain permanent access
Unauthenticated remote attackers can access administrative diagnostic endpoints in FreeScout versions prior to 1.8.213,
Insecure token generation in FreeScout <1.8.213 allows unauthenticated remote attackers to download private email attach
Same weakness CWE-22 – Path Traversal
View allSame technique Path Traversal
View allShare
External POC / Exploit Code
Leaving vuln.today
EUVD-2026-24223