CVE-2026-27497
Arbitrary Code Execution via Merge Node SQL Injection in n8n
Publication date: 2026-02-25
Last updated on: 2026-03-04
Assigner: GitHub, Inc.
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| n8n | n8n | to 1.123.22 (exc) |
| n8n | n8n | From 2.0.0 (inc) to 2.9.3 (exc) |
| n8n | n8n | From 2.10.0 (inc) to 2.10.1 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-89 | The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data. |
| CWE-94 | The product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability affects the n8n workflow automation platform. Before certain fixed versions, an authenticated user who has permission to create or modify workflows could exploit the Merge node's SQL query mode to execute arbitrary code and write arbitrary files on the n8n server.
This means that a user with limited permissions could potentially run harmful commands or alter files on the server hosting n8n, which could compromise the system.
The issue has been fixed in n8n versions 2.10.1, 2.9.3, and 1.123.22. Until upgrading, administrators are advised to restrict workflow creation and editing permissions to fully trusted users and/or disable the Merge node as a temporary mitigation.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
If exploited, this vulnerability allows an authenticated user with workflow creation or modification permissions to execute arbitrary code and write arbitrary files on the n8n server.
- Execution of arbitrary code could lead to full system compromise.
- Writing arbitrary files could allow attackers to alter or inject malicious files, potentially leading to data loss, data corruption, or further exploitation.
- The overall impact could include unauthorized access, data breaches, service disruption, and loss of control over the affected system.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate this vulnerability immediately, you should upgrade n8n to version 2.10.1, 2.9.3, 1.123.22, or later.
If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider the following temporary mitigations:
- Limit workflow creation and editing permissions to fully trusted users only.
- Disable the Merge node by adding `n8n-nodes-base.merge` to the `NODES_EXCLUDE` environment variable.
Note that these workarounds do not fully remediate the risk and should only be used as short-term mitigation measures.