Vulnerability · Published Feb 25, 2026 · Assigned by GitHub_M

CVE-2026-27636FreeScout: Missing .htaccess in Restricted File Extensions Allows Remote Code Execution on Apache

High 8.8

In plain English

A high-severity unrestricted file upload in freescout from freescout-help-desk. Proof-of-concept exploit code is public. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 2.2% (higher than 83% of all known vulnerabilities). Ready-made attack tooling exists: Metasploit, public proof-of-concept code.

Severity (CVSS 3.1)8.8High

Exploit odds (30 days)2.2%top 17.3% of all CVEs

Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: poc

Attack tooling2Metasploit, Public PoC

Official description

FreeScout is a free help desk and shared inbox built with PHP's Laravel framework. Prior to version 1.8.206, FreeScout's file upload restriction list in `app/Misc/Helper.php` does not include `.htaccess` or `.user.ini` files. On Apache servers with `AllowOverride All` (a common configuration), an authenticated user can upload a `.htaccess` file to redefine how files are processed, enabling Remote Code Execution. This vulnerability can be exploited on its own or in combination with CVE-2026-27637. Version 1.8.206 fixes both vulnerabilities.

Affected products (as reported)

Vendor	Product	Versions
freescout-help-desk	freescout	< 1.8.206

Weakness: CWE-434 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/security/advisories/GHSA-mw88-x7j3-74vc x_refsource_CONFIRM
https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/security/advisories/GHSA-6gcm-v8xf-j9v9 x_refsource_MISC
https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/commit/9984071e6f1b4e633fdcffcea82bbebc9c1e009c x_refsource_MISC