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How the CVE Works
CVE-2025-48478 is a mass assignment vulnerability in FreeScout (before v1.8.180) due to improper input validation in user creation. The `$fillable` array in the User object defines fields that can be bulk-assigned during registration. Attackers exploit this by injecting malicious payloads into unprotected fields, manipulating unintended attributes (e.g., admin privileges, API keys). The lack of server-side whitelisting allows overwriting sensitive parameters, escalating privileges, or compromising data integrity. The flaw stems from Laravel’s mass-assignment feature misconfiguration, where developer-defined safeguards (e.g., $fillable/$guarded) are bypassed via crafted HTTP requests.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: FreeScout
Version: <1.8.180
Vulnerability: Mass Assignment
Severity: Critical
Date: 06/04/2025
Prediction: Patch expected by 06/15/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
1. Craft Malicious Request:
POST /users/create HTTP/1.1
Host: target.com
{"name":"attacker","email":"[email protected]","is_admin":1}
2. Bypass Validation:
// Attacker manipulates $fillable fields (e.g., 'is_admin') via JSON/Form-Data.
Protection:
1. Patch Upgrade:
composer update freescout/freescout --with-dependencies
2. Input Whitelisting:
protected $fillable = ['name', 'email']; // Explicitly define allowed fields.
3. Middleware Sanitization:
public function createUser(Request $request) {
$validated = $request->only(['name', 'email']);
User::create($validated);
}
Detection:
1. Log Analysis:
grep -r "\$fillable" /var/www/freescout/app/Models/
2. Vulnerability Scan:
nmap -p 80,443 --script http-vuln-cve2025-48478 target.com
Mitigation:
- Temporary Fix: Disable user registration via
.env:ALLOW_SIGNUP=false
- WAF Rule: Block suspicious mass-assignment patterns:
if ($request_body ~ "is_admin|role_id") { return 403; }
Post-Exploit Forensics:
journalctl -u freescout --since "2025-06-01" | grep "user_created"
No further commentary.
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
