CVE-2026-48812: CWE-287: Improper Authentication in freescout-help-desk freescout
FreeScout is a free help desk and shared inbox built with PHP's Laravel framework. Prior to version 1.8.221, FreeScout's attachment download route skips token authentication for any attachment whose `token_type` is set to `1` (`TOKEN_TYPE_LEGACY`). Because this route is unauthenticated and the file path is deterministic, an unauthenticated remote attacker can download any attachment that was created by an older version of FreeScout without possessing a valid token or session. Version 1.8.221 contains a fix.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-48812 is an improper authentication vulnerability (CWE-287) in FreeScout, a PHP Laravel-based help desk application. In versions before 1.8.221, the attachment download endpoint does not enforce token authentication for attachments marked with a legacy token type (token_type=1). Due to the deterministic file path and lack of authentication, remote attackers can download any legacy attachment without authorization. This vulnerability was addressed in FreeScout version 1.8.221.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can access and download attachments created by older versions of FreeScout without possessing valid authentication tokens or sessions. This leads to unauthorized disclosure of potentially sensitive information contained in those attachments. The vulnerability does not impact integrity or availability but has a high confidentiality impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in FreeScout version 1.8.221. Users should upgrade to version 1.8.221 or later to remediate this vulnerability. No vendor advisory content is provided to indicate alternative mitigations or temporary fixes. Until upgraded, restrict access to the affected application to trusted users or networks if possible.
CVE-2026-48812: CWE-287: Improper Authentication in freescout-help-desk freescout
Description
FreeScout is a free help desk and shared inbox built with PHP's Laravel framework. Prior to version 1.8.221, FreeScout's attachment download route skips token authentication for any attachment whose `token_type` is set to `1` (`TOKEN_TYPE_LEGACY`). Because this route is unauthenticated and the file path is deterministic, an unauthenticated remote attacker can download any attachment that was created by an older version of FreeScout without possessing a valid token or session. Version 1.8.221 contains a fix.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.5high
Affected software
pkg:github/freescout-help-desk/freescoutRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-48812 is an improper authentication vulnerability (CWE-287) in FreeScout, a PHP Laravel-based help desk application. In versions before 1.8.221, the attachment download endpoint does not enforce token authentication for attachments marked with a legacy token type (token_type=1). Due to the deterministic file path and lack of authentication, remote attackers can download any legacy attachment without authorization. This vulnerability was addressed in FreeScout version 1.8.221.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can access and download attachments created by older versions of FreeScout without possessing valid authentication tokens or sessions. This leads to unauthorized disclosure of potentially sensitive information contained in those attachments. The vulnerability does not impact integrity or availability but has a high confidentiality impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in FreeScout version 1.8.221. Users should upgrade to version 1.8.221 or later to remediate this vulnerability. No vendor advisory content is provided to indicate alternative mitigations or temporary fixes. Until upgraded, restrict access to the affected application to trusted users or networks if possible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-22T20:57:10.976Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a5e61922a4a8d59897a5066
Added to database: 07/20/2026, 17:57:38 UTC
Last enriched: 07/20/2026, 18:12:06 UTC
Last updated: 07/21/2026, 03:42:32 UTC
Views: 11
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.