CVE-2026-85166
n8n before 2.36.2 Credential Exfiltration via Workflow Tool Node
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.
INFO
Published Date :
Sept. 3, 2026, 11:22 a.m.
Last Modified :
Sept. 3, 2026, 11:22 a.m.
Remotely Exploit :
Yes !
Source :
VulnCheck
Affected Products
The following products are affected by CVE-2026-85166
vulnerability.
Even if cvefeed.io is aware of the exact versions of the
products
that
are
affected, the information is not represented in the table below.
No affected product recoded yet
CVSS Scores
| Score | Version | Severity | Vector | Exploitability Score | Impact Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | HIGH | 83251b91-4cc7-4094-a5c7-464a1b83ea10 |
Solution
- Update n8n to a version that addresses this vulnerability.
- Review workflows for suspicious credential references.
- Restrict workflow creation/editing permissions.
- Validate credential ownership before execution.
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CVE-2026-85166 vulnerability anywhere in the article.