Medium severity6.5NVD Advisory· Published Sep 3, 2026· Updated Sep 10, 2026
CVE-2026-85166
CVE-2026-85166
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.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Affected products
1Patches
Vulnerability mechanics
References
2- github.com/n8n-io/n8n/security/advisories/GHSA-4r56-g65c-fm83nvdMitigationVendor Advisory
- www.vulncheck.com/advisories/n8n-before-2.36.2-credential-exfiltration-via-workflow-tool-nodenvdThird Party Advisory
News mentions
1- N8n Io: Nine Vulnerabilities Including RCE and Credential Exposure Disclosed TogetherVypr Intelligence · Sep 3, 2026