CVE-2026-27636

FreeScout: Missing .htaccess in Restricted File Extensions Allows Remote Code Execution on Apache

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

freescout-help-desk · freescout

CVSS v3.1 GITHUB

8.8 HIGHCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS

2.16% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, 82nd percentile

Published

2026-02-25

Metasploit modules (1)

• rapid7/metasploit-framework/blob/master/modules/exploits/multi/http/freescout_htaccess_rc…

Security advisories

• freescout-help-desk/freescout/security/advisories/GHSA-mw88-x7j3-74vc
• freescout-help-desk/freescout/commit/9984071e6f1b4e633fdcffcea82bbebc9c1e009c

References

• CVE Record
• NVD entry