CVE-2026-86079: CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in n8n-io n8n
Description
CVE-2026-86079 is a path traversal vulnerability in the n8n workflow automation platform affecting Elasticsearch and ElasticSecurity nodes. Prior to versions 1.123.76, 2.37.7, and 2.38.2, these nodes interpolated workflow-controlled identifiers directly into REST request paths without proper encoding. This allowed an attacker to craft identifiers with path separators or dot segments to access unauthorized indices or cluster administration endpoints using stored Elasticsearch credentials. The vulnerability is fixed in versions 1.123.76, 2.37.7, and 2.38.2.
CVSS v4.0
Score 6.3medium
Affected software
n8n-io
n8n
pkg:github/n8n-io/n8nRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability arises from improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory (CWE-22) in n8n's Elasticsearch and ElasticSecurity nodes. Specifically, the nodes interpolated user-controlled index and document identifiers directly into REST request paths without encoding path separators or dot segments, enabling path traversal attacks. This flaw is located in the request construction code in packages/nodes-base/nodes/Elastic/Elasticsearch/GenericFunctions.ts, where the toPathSegment encoding was missing. Versions prior to 1.123.76, 2.37.7, and 2.38.2 are affected. The issue is resolved by applying the fixes included in these versions.
Potential Impact
An attacker with workflow control can exploit this vulnerability to access unauthorized Elasticsearch indices or cluster administration endpoints under the stored Elasticsearch credentials. This could lead to unauthorized data access or manipulation within the Elasticsearch cluster. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.3 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no user interaction required.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade n8n to version 1.123.76, 2.37.7, or 2.38.2 or later where this vulnerability is fixed. No other mitigation is indicated by the vendor advisory.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-04T19:34:03.100Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6aa08023acd9273b4940c39c
Added to database: 09/08/2026, 21:37:39 UTC
Last enriched: 09/16/2026, 02:34:26 UTC
Last updated: 10/23/2026, 15:10:15 UTC
Views: 131
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