FreeScout is a free help desk and shared inbox built with PHP's Laravel framework. Prior to version 1.8.206, FreeScout's `TokenAuth` middleware uses a predictable authentication token computed as `MD5(user_id + created_at + APP_KEY)`. This token is static (never expires/rotates), and if an attacker obtains the `APP_KEY` — a well-documented and common exposure vector in Laravel applications — they can compute a valid token for any user, including the administrator, achieving full account takeover without any password.
This vulnerability can be exploited on its own or in combination with CVE-2026-27636. Version 1.8.206 fixes both vulnerabilities.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Network
Can be exploited remotely
Attack Complexity
Low
Easy to exploit
Privileges Required
None
No privileges needed
User Interaction
None
No user interaction needed
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality
High
Complete data leak
Integrity
High
Complete data modification
Availability
High
Complete denial of service
CVSS Vector v3.1
Weakness Type (CWE)
References 3
https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/commit/004a8231f6e413af1d46809…
security-advisories@github.com
https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/security/advisories/GHSA-6gcm-…
security-advisories@github.com
https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout/security/advisories/GHSA-mw88-…
security-advisories@github.com