n8n: External Secrets Accessible via Workflow Expressions Outside Credentials (CVE-2026-59254)
A vulnerability in n8n allows authenticated users with project editor access to read plaintext external secrets via workflow node expressions, bypassing intended access controls. This affects instances with the external secrets feature enabled. The issue is fixed in versions 2.27.4 and 2.28.1. Temporary mitigations include restricting project membership to trusted users and avoiding granting editor access where external secrets are configured.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability (CVE-2026-59254) in n8n arises from external secrets being incorrectly resolved in workflow node expressions outside of credential contexts. An authenticated user with project editor privileges can access plaintext external secrets by referencing them in node expressions without explicit secrets access permissions. This flaw affects only instances where the external secrets feature is configured. The issue has been addressed in n8n versions 2.27.4 and 2.28.1.
Potential Impact
An authenticated user with project editor access can read sensitive external secrets in plaintext, potentially exposing confidential information that should be restricted. This bypasses the intended access control mechanisms for secrets, increasing the risk of unauthorized data disclosure within affected n8n instances.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in n8n versions 2.27.4 and 2.28.1; users should upgrade to these versions or later to remediate the vulnerability. If immediate upgrade is not possible, administrators should restrict project membership to fully trusted users and avoid granting editor access on instances with external secrets configured. These workarounds do not fully eliminate the risk and should be considered temporary.
n8n: External Secrets Accessible via Workflow Expressions Outside Credentials (CVE-2026-59254)
Description
A vulnerability in n8n allows authenticated users with project editor access to read plaintext external secrets via workflow node expressions, bypassing intended access controls. This affects instances with the external secrets feature enabled. The issue is fixed in versions 2.27.4 and 2.28.1. Temporary mitigations include restricting project membership to trusted users and avoiding granting editor access where external secrets are configured.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability (CVE-2026-59254) in n8n arises from external secrets being incorrectly resolved in workflow node expressions outside of credential contexts. An authenticated user with project editor privileges can access plaintext external secrets by referencing them in node expressions without explicit secrets access permissions. This flaw affects only instances where the external secrets feature is configured. The issue has been addressed in n8n versions 2.27.4 and 2.28.1.
Potential Impact
An authenticated user with project editor access can read sensitive external secrets in plaintext, potentially exposing confidential information that should be restricted. This bypasses the intended access control mechanisms for secrets, increasing the risk of unauthorized data disclosure within affected n8n instances.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in n8n versions 2.27.4 and 2.28.1; users should upgrade to these versions or later to remediate the vulnerability. If immediate upgrade is not possible, administrators should restrict project membership to fully trusted users and avoid granting editor access on instances with external secrets configured. These workarounds do not fully eliminate the risk and should be considered temporary.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-2434-3x6q-8r99
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-59254"]
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
- Database Specific Severity
- MODERATE
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6a6150c99c2644c7f8d9ff29
Added to database: 07/22/2026, 23:22:49 UTC
Last enriched: 07/22/2026, 23:25:49 UTC
Last updated: 07/23/2026, 02:51:54 UTC
Views: 2
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