CVE-2026-25056 is a critical vulnerability affecting the open-source workflow automation platform n8n. This vulnerability allows authenticated users who have permission to create or modify workflows to write arbitrary files to the n8n server's filesystem. If exploited, this could lead to remote code execution, creating significant security risks for affected organizations. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 1.118.0 and 2.4.0, which have been patched.
With a CVSS score of 9.4, this vulnerability is classified as critical. The low attack complexity and the requirement for only low privileges to exploit this vulnerability mean that even less sophisticated attackers could potentially leverage it. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The potential risks to organizations include unauthorized access to sensitive data and the ability to manipulate server operations. The risk is amplified by the fact that remote code execution can grant attackers full control over the compromised system.
As of now, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, but the nature of its impact warrants immediate attention from security teams to prevent possible exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that the vulnerability exists in the Merge node's SQL Query mode in n8n versions prior to 1.118.0 and 2.4.0. It allows users to write arbitrary files to the server's filesystem, which can lead to remote code execution. This issue has been patched in the aforementioned versions.
The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-434 (Unrestricted File Upload) and CWE-693 (Protection Mechanism Failure), indicating significant weaknesses in file handling and server protection mechanisms.
The CVSS score of 9.4 reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability, with a base severity classified as critical. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity and low privileges required for exploitation. High impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability emphasize the critical need for immediate remediation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper validation of user inputs in the Merge node's SQL Query functionality. Attackers may exploit this by crafting SQL queries that allow the writing of arbitrary files to the server, which can subsequently lead to remote code execution.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning an attacker does not need physical access to the system but can exploit it remotely. The attack complexity is low, requiring minimal technical skill to execute. Low privileges are sufficient, as an authenticated user can leverage the vulnerability without needing elevated access.
User interaction is not required for exploitation, increasing the threat level. The impacts of this vulnerability are severe, with high potential impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2026-25056 includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data and the ability for attackers to manipulate the server's filesystem. Organizations using n8n should be particularly concerned as the ability to execute arbitrary code can lead to a full compromise of the application and potentially the underlying server.
Given the critical severity rating, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The potential blast radius is significant, as it can affect all users who interact with the n8n instance and any connected systems.
In light of the CVSS score and the lack of public exploit, this vulnerability is not currently classified as actively exploited. However, organizations cannot afford to be complacent, as the nature of the vulnerability could easily lead to exploitation if left unpatched.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of n8n are all versions prior to 1.118.0 and 2.4.0. Organizations using these versions are strongly encouraged to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2026-25056, organizations should upgrade to n8n versions 1.118.0 or 2.4.0 or later. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, organizations should implement strict access controls to limit the permissions of users who can create or modify workflows.
Additionally, ensuring that the server is properly configured and monitored for unauthorized file writes can help detect potential exploitation attempts early.
Organizations should also consider engaging in penetration testing to validate the effectiveness of their security measures and identify potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2026-25056, organizations should monitor logs for unusual file write operations and unexpected changes in server configuration. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in user activities related to workflow creation and modification should be tracked.
Network signatures associated with unauthorized access attempts may also provide indicators of compromise, assisting in early detection.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-25056 lies in its potential to affect organizations utilizing workflow automation tools. As these tools become more integrated into business processes, vulnerabilities like this can represent serious risks. Security teams should remain vigilant about the security of automation platforms and ensure they are adequately protected.
This incident underscores the importance of regular updates and patch management as a foundational security practice. Organizations should develop a robust vulnerability management program that includes monitoring for emerging threats.
Organizations should also adopt a proactive approach to security that includes regular assessments and penetration testing methodology to identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Furthermore, the trends in vulnerability exposure related to automation platforms signal a growing area of concern; organizations need to stay informed about potential risks and ensure appropriate security measures are in place.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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