CVE-2026-40568 Details
Description
FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Versions prior to 1.8.213 have a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the mailbox signature feature. The sanitization function `Helper::stripDangerousTags()` (`app/Misc/Helper.php:568`) uses an incomplete blocklist of only four HTML tags (`script`, `form`, `iframe`, `object`) and does not remove event handler attributes. When a mailbox signature is saved via `MailboxesController::updateSave()` (`app/Http/Controllers/MailboxesController.php:267`), HTML elements such as `<img>`, `<svg>`, and `<details>` with event handler attributes like `onerror` and `onload` pass through sanitization unchanged and are stored in the database. The signature is then rendered as raw HTML via the Blade `{!! !!}` tag in `editor_bottom_toolbar.blade.php:6` and re-inserted into the visible DOM by jQuery `.html()` at `main.js:1789-1790`, triggering the injected event handlers. Any authenticated user with the `ACCESS_PERM_SIGNATURE` (`sig`) permission on a mailbox -- a delegatable, non-admin permission -- can inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript into the mailbox signature. The payload fires automatically, with no victim interaction, whenever any agent or administrator opens any conversation in the affected mailbox. This enables session hijacking (under CSP bypass conditions such as IE11 or module-weakened CSP), phishing overlays that work in all browsers regardless of CSP, and chaining to admin-level actions including email exfiltration via mass assignment and self-propagating worm behavior across all mailboxes. Version 1.8.213 fixes the issue.
A stored cross-site scripting vulnerability has been identified in FreeScout versions prior to 1.8.213. The issue arises in the mailbox signature feature, where the sanitization function 'Helper::stripDangerousTags()' employs an inadequate blocklist, allowing certain HTML elements and event handler attributes to bypass filters. This flaw enables authenticated users with the 'ACCESS_PERM_SIGNATURE' permission to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript into mailbox signatures. The injected scripts execute automatically when conversations are viewed, potentially leading to session hijacking, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access to admin-level actions.
Users can update to FreeScout version 1.8.213 or later, where this vulnerability has been fixed.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
Volerion
Assessed Apr 21, 2026CISA-ADP
Assessed Apr 21, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
By selecting these links, you will be leaving this site. These are references gathered from the official CVE record and are not endorsed by Volerion.
| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/security/advisories/GHSA-w2f5-6wcv-677r | CISA-ADP | AdvisoryExploitRemedyVendor |
| https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/commit/1d83e1cffb0bf8d109625313530b36b0f5910b3f | [email protected] | Source CodeVendor |
| https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/releases/tag/1.8.213 | [email protected] | Release NotesVendor |
| https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/security/advisories/GHSA-w2f5-6wcv-677r | [email protected] | AdvisoryExploitRemedyVendor |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-116 | Improper Encoding or Escaping of Output | [email protected] |
| CWE-79 | Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| FreeScout | < 1.8.213 (semver) |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
4 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | [email protected] |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| Apr 21, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| Apr 21, 2026 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |
Volerion