CVE-2026-85166: Incorrect Authorization in n8n-io n8n
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 v4.0
Score 7.2high
Affected software
n8n-io
n8n
n8n-io
n8n
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-85166 is an incorrect authorization vulnerability in n8n prior to versions 2.35.4 and 2.36.2. The flaw arises because the software does not validate credential references in the inline workflow JSON of nodes executing inline sub-workflows. This permits a shared-workflow editor or any user with workflow creation/update access via REST, Public API, or MCP to persist nodes referencing credentials they do not own. Upon execution by an identity holding the credential, the inline sub-workflow resolves the secret and may exfiltrate it to an attacker-controlled endpoint.
Potential Impact
An attacker with limited privileges to create or update workflows can cause credential secrets to be exfiltrated when the workflow executes under a user identity that owns the credential. This leads to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive credentials, potentially compromising systems or services that rely on those credentials.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict workflow creation and update permissions to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious workflow configurations referencing unauthorized credentials.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-03T11:05:09.078Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a995c08acd9273b49dbb6a5
Added to database: 09/03/2026, 11:37:44 UTC
Last enriched: 09/07/2026, 18:07:59 UTC
Last updated: 10/19/2026, 06:48:20 UTC
Views: 50
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.