CVE-2026-40497: FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-40497?

freescout: upgrade to 1.8.213. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-40497 being exploited?

CVE-2026-40497 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-40497 affect?

CVE-2026-40497 affects freescout. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Prior to version 1.8.213, FreeScout's `Helper::stripDangerousTags()` removes ` `, ` `, ` `, ` ` but does NOT strip ` ` tags. The mailbox signature

Routine

HIGH 8.1UPGRADE

CVE-2026-40497 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) affecting freescout. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Prior to version 1.8.213, FreeScout's `Helper::stripDangerousTags()` removes `<script>`, `<form>`, `<iframe>`, `<object>` but does NOT strip `<style>` tags. The mailbox signature field is saved via POST /mailbox/settings/{id} and later rendered unescaped via `{!! $conversation->getSignatureProcessed([], true) !!}` in conversation views. CSP allows `style-src * 'self' 'unsafe-inline'`,

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.1 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 85%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-79
Published	2026-04-21
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: freescout

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-04-21 03:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:45 UTCUpdated Record last modified

freescout freescout UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.8.213

Fixed in: 1.8.213

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy freescout || rpm -q freescout || freescout --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.8.213 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade freescout

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade freescout

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-40497?

freescout: upgrade to 1.8.213. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-40497 being exploited?

CVE-2026-40497 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-40497 affect?

CVE-2026-40497 affects freescout. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox. Prior to version 1.8.213, FreeScout's `Helper::stripDangerousTags()` removes `<script>`, `<form>`, `<iframe>`, `<object>` but does NOT strip `<style>` tags. The mailbox signature

How urgent is CVE-2026-40497?

Priority 32/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-40565 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox
CVE-2026-40498 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox
CVE-2026-40496 CRITICAL 9.1 UPGRADE FreeScout is a free self-hosted help desk and shared mailbox

References

← Back to latest CVEs