CVE-2026-86081: CWE-1333: Inefficient Regular Expression Complexity in n8n-io n8n
Description
CVE-2026-86081 is a high-severity vulnerability in the n8n workflow automation platform. It involves inefficient regular expression complexity in the Git node clone operation, which uses a regex pattern vulnerable to catastrophic backtracking. An authenticated workflow editor can exploit this to freeze the n8n instance during workflow execution. The issue affects versions prior to 1.123.76, 2.37.7, and 2.38.2 and has been fixed in these versions.
CVSS v4.0
Score 7.1high
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 the Git node clone operation in n8n matching an attacker-controlled destination path against the default N8N_BLOCK_FILE_PATTERNS regex pattern ^(./).git(/.)$. This pattern allows catastrophic backtracking and runs synchronously in the main n8n process, enabling an authenticated workflow editor to freeze the instance by triggering this regex during workflow execution. The flaw is fixed in versions 1.123.76, 2.37.7, and 2.38.2.
Potential Impact
An authenticated user with workflow editor privileges can cause a denial of service by freezing the n8n instance, impacting availability. There is no indication of privilege escalation, data disclosure, or integrity impact. The vulnerability requires authentication and user interaction (workflow execution).
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade n8n to version 1.123.76, 2.37.7, or 2.38.2 or later where the issue is fixed. No other mitigation is indicated or required according to the available data.
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: 6aa08023acd9273b4940c3a0
Added to database: 09/08/2026, 21:37:39 UTC
Last enriched: 09/16/2026, 02:38:59 UTC
Last updated: 10/15/2026, 18:48:24 UTC
Views: 75
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.