CVE-2026-53596: FreeScout has unrestricted file upload without rate limiting that leads to resource exhaustion (DoS)

Published Jul 20, 2026
·
Updated

FreeScout is a free help desk and shared inbox built with PHP's Laravel framework. Prior to version 1.8.224, the FreeScout helpdesk application does not enforce rate limiting on the file upload endpoint. Any user can flood the server with upload requests, leading to database overload and potential denial of service for all users. Version 1.8.224 contains a fix.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Freescout freescout<1.8.224

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade FreeScout to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.8.224

Event History

Jul 20, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:17 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:17 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·09:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-53596?

The severity of CVE-2026-53596 is classified as medium with a score of 5.3.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-53596?

To fix CVE-2026-53596, upgrade to FreeScout version 1.8.224 or later where the issue has been addressed.

3

What type of attack does CVE-2026-53596 facilitate?

CVE-2026-53596 facilitates a denial of service (DoS) attack by allowing unrestricted file uploads that can flood the server.

4

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-53596?

CVE-2026-53596 affects FreeScout versions prior to 1.8.224.

5

What impact does CVE-2026-53596 have on the server?

CVE-2026-53596 can lead to resource exhaustion, causing potential database overload and service interruption.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
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Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
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