FreeScout's deserialization of untrusted data leads to Remote Code Execution
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- High
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Attack requirements
- None
- Impact type
- Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 4.0 · CNA. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from CWE-502.
Summary
FreeScout is a lightweight free open source help desk and shared inbox built with PHP (Laravel framework). In versions 1.8.185 and below, there is a critical deserialization vulnerability in the /conversation/ajax endpoint that allows authenticated users with knowledge of the APP_KEY to achieve remote code execution. The vulnerability occurs when the application processes the attachments_all and attachments POST parameters through the insecure Helper::decrypt() function, which performs unsafe deserialization of user-controlled data without proper validation. This flaw enables attackers to create arbitrary objects and manipulate their properties, leading to complete compromise of the web application. This is fixed in version 1.8.186.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- Poc
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Partial
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| freescout-help-desk | freescout | before 1.8.186 | 1.8.186 | Patch available | CNA |
- freescout Vendorfreescout-help-desk Affected before 1.8.186 Fixed in 1.8.186 Patch available CNA
CPE configurations NVD · 1
| CPE | Versions | Role | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|
| cpe:2.3:a:freescout:freescout:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | before 1.8.86 | Vulnerable | freescout-help-desk |
- cpe:2.3:a:freescout:freescout:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions before 1.8.86 Vulnerable ·freescout-help-desk
Remediation
- Fix · CNA freescout (freescout-help-desk) Fixed in 1.8.186
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2025-54366
References
More freescout-help-desk Freescout vulnerabilities
- TI-2026-22019 FreeScout's Predictable Authentication Token Enables Account Takeover CVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.8
- TI-2026-29249 FreeScout has Authentication Bypass and Information Disclosure in SystemController via /system/cron CVSS 4.0HIGH 8.9
- TI-2026-29247 FreeScout has Predictable Attachment Token that Allows Unauthenticated Private File Download via Brute Force CVSS 4.0HIGH 8.8
- TI-2026-25245 FreeScout: Stored XSS via Unescaped Email Template Rendering ({!! $thread->body !!}) CVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.3
- TI-2026-22596 FreeScout 1.8.206 Patch Bypass for CVE-2026-27636 via Zero-Width Space Character Leads to Remote Code Execution CVSS 3.1CRITICAL 10.0
- TI-2024-19354 FreeScout OS Command Injection vulnerability CVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.1
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences