n8n: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command
CVE-2026-44792 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command vulnerability in n8n, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected n8n versions: < 1.123.43; >= 2.0.0-rc.0, < 2.20.7; >= 2.21.0, < 2.21.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.39% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of n8n you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | n8n | < 1.123.43; >= 2.0.0-rc.0, < 2.20.7; >= 2.21.0, < 2.21.1 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.9 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.0 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
n8n is an open source workflow automation platform. Prior to 1.123.43, 2.22.1, and 2.20.7, an attacker with write access to the git repository connected to an n8n Source Control configuration could commit a malicious Data Table JSON file containing a crafted column name. When an administrator performed a Source Control Pull, n8n imported the file and could lead to SQL injection on the internal PostgreSQL instance. Exploitation requires the n8n instance uses PostgreSQL as its database backend, the Source Control feature is enabled and connected to a repository the attacker can write to, and an administrator triggers a Source Control Pull. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.123.43, 2.22.1, and 2.20.7.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command
The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, consider using persistence layers such as Hibernate or Enterprise Java Beans, which can provide significant protection against SQL injection if used properly.
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
- When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command vulnerabilities (CWE-89)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in n8n
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command vulnerabilities
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
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