A critical security vulnerability in the popular n8n workflow automation platform could allow attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on affected servers. The flaw, identified as CVE-2026-25049, was disclosed this week and carries a high severity CVSS score of 9.4. This issue is directly related to a previous, even more severe vulnerability, CVE-2025-68613, which had a score of 9.9.
The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the platform. This weakness effectively bypasses security safeguards that were implemented to address the earlier CVE-2025-68613 defect. The failure to properly sanitize user input creates a pathway for exploitation.
Technical Details and Impact
CVE-2026-25049 is a command injection vulnerability. In practical terms, an attacker could craft a malicious workflow and, under certain conditions, trick the n8n system into executing operating system commands chosen by the attacker. This would grant the attacker control over the underlying server.
Such control could lead to catastrophic outcomes for organizations. An attacker could steal sensitive data, deploy ransomware, use the server to attack other internal systems, or simply destroy data and disrupt business operations. The impact is particularly severe because n8n is often used to connect to various internal services and databases.
Connection to Previous Critical Flaw
This new vulnerability is not an isolated incident. It is a regression, or bypass, of the fixes made for CVE-2025-68613. That earlier flaw, with a near-maximum CVSS score of 9.9, also allowed for remote code execution. The fact that a new vulnerability has emerged in the same protective mechanisms highlights the complexity of securing workflow automation platforms.
Security researchers note that the recurrence of such flaws in related code areas is a significant concern. It suggests that the original patch may not have addressed the root cause comprehensively, or that new code introduced later reintroduced a similar weakness.
Scope and Affected Versions
While the exact range of affected n8n versions is being finalized by the maintainers, the vulnerability is believed to impact recent deployments. n8n is an open-source tool used by thousands of companies globally for automating tasks between different applications and services. Its node-based, low-code interface makes it popular for integrating cloud services and internal APIs.
The platform’s power, which lies in its ability to execute complex logic and interact with system resources, is also what makes it a high-value target for attackers. A successful compromise of an n8n instance can serve as a powerful pivot point into an organization’s digital infrastructure.
Mitigation and Official Response
The n8n development team has been notified of the vulnerability. Standard protocol involves the researchers coordinating with the vendor under an embargo period to allow for a patch to be developed before public disclosure. This process, known as coordinated vulnerability disclosure, aims to protect users by providing a fix simultaneously with the news of the threat.
Users of the n8n platform are advised to monitor the official n8n security advisories page and GitHub repository for updates. Until an official patch is released, security best practices should be rigorously followed. This includes isolating n8n instances within network segments, reviewing and restricting workflow permissions, and auditing any workflows created by untrusted users.
Organizations should also consider the principle of least privilege for the service account under which n8n runs, limiting its access to only the necessary system resources and network endpoints. Regular security audits of automation workflows are also recommended.
Broader Implications for Automation Security
The disclosure of CVE-2026-25049 underscores a growing security challenge in the realm of automation and integration platforms. As these tools become more central to business operations, their security becomes paramount. They often hold privileged access keys, database credentials, and the ability to manipulate data across multiple systems.
Security professionals emphasize that low-code and no-code platforms require the same rigorous security review as traditional code. The visual nature of their programming interface does not eliminate the risk of logic flaws, injection attacks, or misconfigurations. In some cases, it may obscure the underlying security implications of a workflow’s design.
The next critical step is the release of an official security patch by the n8n maintainers. Following that, users must apply the update promptly to all affected installations. The cybersecurity community will also be watching for any proof-of-concept exploit code that may appear online, which typically accelerates attacks against unpatched systems. Organizations are urged to treat this vulnerability with high priority due to its potential for full system compromise.
Source: Various security advisories and researcher disclosures
