CVE-2026-40498

What it is

FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Prior to version 1.8.213, an unauthenticated attacker can access diagnostic and system tools that should be restricted to administrators. The /system/cron endpoint relies on a static MD5 hash derived from the APP_KEY, which is exposed in the response and logs. Accessing these endpoints reveals sensitive server information (Full Path Disclosure), process IDs, and allows for Resource Exhaustion (DoS) by triggering heavy background tasks repeatedly without any rate limiting. The cron hash is generated using md5(APP_KEY . 'web_cron_hash'). Since this hash is often transmitted via GET requests, it is susceptible to exposure in server logs, browser history, and proxy logs. Furthermore, the lack of rate limiting on these endpoints allows for automated resource exhaustion (DoS) and brute-force attempts. Version 1.8.213 fixes the issue.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-04-21 16:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 10:45 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.9 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-04-21 16:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 10:45 UTC

Exploit probability

0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-200 · Information exposure

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Freescout < 1.8.213

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 8.9

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

Low

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-40498.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-40498. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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