CVE-2026-85166 n8n before 2.36.2 Credential Exfiltration via Workflow Tool Node

High 7.2 Published 3 Sep 2026 Updated 29 Oct 2026

Attackers can exfiltrate credentials by referencing unauthorized secrets in inline workflows, affecting n8n users.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2026-85166?

CVE-2026-85166 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in N8n N8n, published on 3 Sep 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

Official 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.

Weakness: CWE-863

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-85166?

It affects 1 product.

Products include N8n N8n.

How do I fix CVE-2026-85166?

Upgrade to a fixed version.

Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.

Is CVE-2026-85166 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-85166 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All N8n N8n vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-4qfv-x7mh-xjhv, GHSA-4r56-g65c-fm83, MINI-xc7r-xvpv-9j27.