Fast Facts
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Critical Vulnerability: A severe security flaw (CVE-2026-25049) in n8n allows unauthorized execution of system commands via manipulated workflow expressions, scoring 9.4 on the CVSS scale.
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Previous Issues Unresolved: This vulnerability stems from inadequate safeguards for a related defect (CVE-2025-68613) that was patched, highlighting the importance of robust security measures in software.
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Exploitation Risks: An attacker with minimal permissions can exploit the issue to gain server control, steal sensitive credentials, or access internal systems, especially when using public webhooks.
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Recommended Mitigations: Users should limit workflow permissions to trusted individuals and deploy n8n in a secure manner to curb potential exploits until a full patch is available.
Critical Vulnerability Uncovered in n8n Workflow Automation
A serious security flaw has emerged in the n8n workflow automation platform, known as CVE-2026-25049. This vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary system commands if they manipulate workflows. Specifically, it stems from insufficient sanitization measures that failed to fully address a previous vulnerability, CVE-2025-68613. The potential risk level for CVE-2026-25049 is high, with a CVSS score of 9.4. Following its discovery, n8n’s maintainers acknowledged that unauthorized users could exploit crafted expressions within workflow parameters, resulting in unintended command execution on the host server.
Security researchers have pointed out that the flaw can lead to significant consequences. If exploited, attackers could not only compromise servers but also steal sensitive credentials and gain unauthorized access to critical data. The vulnerability’s severity escalates when paired with n8n’s webhook feature. Attackers can create workflows that are publicly accessible, thereby triggering harmful commands remotely. Observations from multiple cybersecurity firms indicate that the potential for data theft extends to API keys, OAuth tokens, and even backend system access.
Recommendations for Users and Developers
Users of n8n should act swiftly to address the risk associated with this vulnerability. The most effective approach is to update to versions 1.123.17 or 2.5.2, where the issue has been patched. However, for those unable to update immediately, experts recommend restricting workflow creation and editing permissions to trusted individuals only. Furthermore, deploying n8n in a secured environment with minimized privileges can help mitigate the risk.
This vulnerability underscores the importance of robust security practices in software development. Multiple layers of validation are essential, particularly when dealing with user-generated input. Developers should prioritize comprehensive sanitization functions during code reviews, ensuring that potential input types are thoroughly checked at runtime. The ongoing attention to security vulnerabilities in workflow automation tools reveals a critical need for vigilance in an increasingly digital landscape.
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