CVE-2026-86996: CWE-862: Missing Authorization in n8n-io n8n
A missing authorization vulnerability in n8n workflow automation platform prior to versions 2.37.7 and 2.38.2 allowed users able to build an Agent to invoke restricted workflows and access their returned data. This occurred because the workflow setting enforcement was bypassed when workflows were attached to an Agent as a tool. The issue is fixed in versions 2.37.7 and 2.38.2.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability in n8n (CVE-2026-86996) involves a missing authorization enforcement in the workflow execution path when workflows are attached to Agents as tools. Specifically, the workflow setting 'This workflow can be called by' was enforced by the Execute Workflow node but omitted in the Agent tool execution path, located in packages/cli/src/modules/agents/tools/workflow-tool-factory.ts. The omission of SubworkflowPolicyChecker.checkForProject allowed users with Agent build permissions to invoke restricted workflows and read their returned data. This authorization bypass was addressed and fixed in n8n versions 2.37.7 and 2.38.2.
Potential Impact
An attacker with the ability to build an Agent in n8n could bypass intended workflow call restrictions and invoke restricted workflows, potentially accessing sensitive data returned by those workflows. This could lead to unauthorized data disclosure within the affected n8n environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade n8n to version 2.37.7 or 2.38.2 or later, where this authorization bypass vulnerability has been fixed. No other mitigation or temporary workaround is indicated by the vendor advisory.
CVE-2026-86996: CWE-862: Missing Authorization in n8n-io n8n
Description
A missing authorization vulnerability in n8n workflow automation platform prior to versions 2.37.7 and 2.38.2 allowed users able to build an Agent to invoke restricted workflows and access their returned data. This occurred because the workflow setting enforcement was bypassed when workflows were attached to an Agent as a tool. The issue is fixed in versions 2.37.7 and 2.38.2.
CVSS v4.0
Score 5.3medium
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in n8n (CVE-2026-86996) involves a missing authorization enforcement in the workflow execution path when workflows are attached to Agents as tools. Specifically, the workflow setting 'This workflow can be called by' was enforced by the Execute Workflow node but omitted in the Agent tool execution path, located in packages/cli/src/modules/agents/tools/workflow-tool-factory.ts. The omission of SubworkflowPolicyChecker.checkForProject allowed users with Agent build permissions to invoke restricted workflows and read their returned data. This authorization bypass was addressed and fixed in n8n versions 2.37.7 and 2.38.2.
Potential Impact
An attacker with the ability to build an Agent in n8n could bypass intended workflow call restrictions and invoke restricted workflows, potentially accessing sensitive data returned by those workflows. This could lead to unauthorized data disclosure within the affected n8n environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade n8n to version 2.37.7 or 2.38.2 or later, where this authorization bypass vulnerability has been fixed. No other mitigation or temporary workaround is indicated by the vendor advisory.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-08T16:44:23.781Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6aa13d6bacd9273b49346a88
Added to database: 09/09/2026, 11:05:15 UTC
Last enriched: 09/09/2026, 11:09:42 UTC
Last updated: 09/09/2026, 12:16:56 UTC
Views: 5
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