CVE-2026-65595

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

JWT Privilege Escalation in n8n

Publication date: 2026-07-22

Last updated on: 2026-07-27

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description

n8n before 2.30.1 and 2.29.8 assigns all Public API key scopes to JWTs issued through the Token Exchange module regardless of the acting user's role. On instances where the Token Exchange feature and Public API are enabled, a low-privileged user who can obtain a valid external JWT trusted by a configured issuer can use the resulting access token to invoke administrator-only Public API operations such as role escalation, user creation, and user deletion (role escalation requires an Advanced Permissions license), and, when unverified Community Package installation is enabled, achieve remote code execution.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
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Meta Information

Published

2026-07-22

Last Modified

2026-07-27

Generated

2026-08-11

AI Q&A

2026-07-22

EPSS Evaluated

2026-08-10

NVD

CVE-2026-65595

EUVD

EUVD-2026-47639

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
n8n	n8n	2.30.0
n8n	n8n	2.30.0
n8n	n8n	to 2.29.8 (exc)
n8n	n8n	to 2.29.8 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-269	The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-65595 is a high-severity vulnerability in n8n versions before 2.30.1 and 2.29.8. It allows JWTs issued through the Token Exchange module to receive all Public API key scopes regardless of the user's actual role. This means a low-privileged user with a valid external JWT can perform administrator-only actions like role escalation, user creation, and deletion.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check if your n8n instance is running a version prior to 2.30.1 or 2.29.8. Verify if the Token Exchange feature and Public API are enabled. Inspect JWTs issued through the Token Exchange module for excessive scopes. Review logs for unauthorized administrator-only operations like role escalation, user creation, or deletion.

Impact Analysis

If you use n8n with both Token Exchange and Public API enabled, an attacker could exploit this to gain unauthorized administrative privileges. They could create or delete users, escalate roles, or execute remote code if unverified Community Packages are allowed. The impact includes data breaches, system compromise, and potential compliance violations.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or privilege escalation, violating GDPR's data protection requirements and HIPAA's access control mandates. Organizations may face fines, legal penalties, and reputational damage due to non-compliance with these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately upgrade n8n to version 2.30.1 or 2.29.8. Disable the Token Exchange feature if not required. Restrict Public API access to trusted users or networks. Disable unverified Community Package installation to prevent remote code execution. Monitor for suspicious activity and revoke any unauthorized JWTs.

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