CVE-2026-85166: n8n before 2.35.4 and 2.36.x before 2.36.2 does not validate credential references in the inline workflow JSON

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-85166?

n8n: upgrade to 2.35.4, 2.36.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-85166 being exploited?

CVE-2026-85166 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-2026-85166 affect?

CVE-2026-85166 affects n8n. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). 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/updat

Q: How urgent is CVE-2026-85166?

Priority 30/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Routine

MEDIUM 6.5UPGRADE

CVE-2026-85166 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting n8n. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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-

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 71%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-863
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 19:54 UTCUpdated Record last modified

n8n n8n UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.35.4 · >= 2.36.0 and < 2.36.2

Fixed in: 2.35.4, 2.36.2

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-2026-85166?

n8n: upgrade to 2.35.4, 2.36.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-85166 being exploited?

CVE-2026-85166 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-2026-85166 affect?

CVE-2026-85166 affects n8n. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). 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/updat

How urgent is CVE-2026-85166?

Priority 30/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-54309 CRITICAL 10.0 UPGRADE n8n is an open source workflow automation platform
CVE-2026-54310 CRITICAL 9.9 UPGRADE n8n is an open source workflow automation platform
CVE-2026-44789 CRITICAL 9.9 UPGRADE n8n is an open source workflow automation platform
CVE-2026-44791 CRITICAL 9.9 UPGRADE n8n is an open source workflow automation platform
CVE-2026-54314 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE n8n is an open source workflow automation platform

References

← Back to latest CVEs