CVE-2026-85165: n8n versions before 2.36.2 contain an expression sandbox bypass vulnerability where free identifiers in spread

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-85165?

n8n: upgrade to 2.35.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-85165 being exploited?

CVE-2026-85165 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-85165 affect?

CVE-2026-85165 affects n8n. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.9). n8n versions before 2.36.2 contain an expression sandbox bypass vulnerability where free identifiers in spread, computed-key, switch-case, or class-extension positions resolve against process globals. Authenticated users with workflow-edit

Q: How urgent is CVE-2026-85165?

Priority 46/100. Critical severity

This month

CRITICAL 9.9UPGRADE

CVE-2026-85165 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.9) affecting n8n. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

n8n versions before 2.36.2 contain an expression sandbox bypass vulnerability where free identifiers in spread, computed-key, switch-case, or class-extension positions resolve against process globals. Authenticated users with workflow-edit permission can mutate host objects through expression evaluation, with changes persisting process-wide until restart.

Why this priority

Critical severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.9 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 53%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-95
Published	2026-09-03
Last modified	2026-09-10

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: n8n

Last updated 2026-09-10 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-09-03 13:06 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-09-10 19:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

n8n n8n UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.35.4 · >= 2.36.0 and <= 2.36.2

Fixed in: 2.35.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.36.0

1. Check installed version

npm ls n8n

2. UPGRADE to 2.35.4

npm install n8n@">=2.35.4"

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.36.0

npm view n8n versions npm install n8n@"<2.36.0"

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-85165?

n8n: upgrade to 2.35.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-85165 being exploited?

CVE-2026-85165 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-85165 affect?

CVE-2026-85165 affects n8n. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.9). n8n versions before 2.36.2 contain an expression sandbox bypass vulnerability where free identifiers in spread, computed-key, switch-case, or class-extension positions resolve against process globals. Authenticated users with workflow-edit

How urgent is CVE-2026-85165?

Priority 46/100. Critical severity

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References

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