CVE-2026-85166

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Credential Exfiltration in n8n Workflow Execution

Publication date: 2026-09-03

Last updated on: 2026-10-29

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description

n8n before 2.35.4 and 2.36.x before 2.36.2 does not validate credential references in the inline workflow JSON of nodes that execute an inline sub-workflow (e.g., the Workflow Tool node). A shared-workflow editor, or any user creating/updating a workflow via the REST API, Public API, or MCP, can persist a node referencing a credential they do not own. When the workflow is later executed under an identity that holds the credential, the inline sub-workflow resolves the secret and can send it to an attacker-controlled endpoint, resulting in credential exfiltration.

CVSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-09-03

Last Modified

2026-10-29

Generated

2026-11-08

AI Q&A

2026-09-03

EPSS Evaluated

2026-11-07

NVD

CVE-2026-85166

EUVD

EUVD-2026-70401

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
n8n	n8n	to 2.35.4 (exc)
n8n	n8n	From 2.36.0 (inc) to 2.36.2 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-863	The product performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action, but it does not correctly perform the check.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in n8n before versions 2.35.4 and 2.36.2 allows a user with shared-workflow editor access to insert a node referencing a credential they do not own into an inline workflow JSON. When the workflow executes under a user who has access to that credential, the inline sub-workflow resolves and sends the secret to an attacker-controlled endpoint, resulting in credential exfiltration.

Detection Guidance

Check n8n versions for vulnerabilities. Run: n8n --version. Inspect workflow JSON for nodes referencing credentials not owned by the editor. Look for Workflow Tool nodes with external endpoint configurations.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive credentials, potentially allowing attackers to gain control over systems or data protected by those credentials. It requires low privileges and network access but no user interaction during exploitation.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to personal or sensitive data, potentially violating GDPR and HIPAA compliance requirements. Organizations using affected n8n versions may face regulatory penalties due to data breaches resulting from credential exfiltration.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade n8n to versions 2.36.2 or 2.35.4 or later immediately. Restrict workflow sharing to trusted users only. Audit existing workflows for suspicious nodes referencing unowned credentials. Limit instance access to authorized personnel.

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