n8n: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement
CVE-2026-65591 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression language statement vulnerability in n8n, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 1.123.64, 2.30.1, 2.29.8 as the first without the flaw, so updating n8n to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.69% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 54% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update n8n to 1.123.64 or 2.30.1 or 2.29.8, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | n8n | before 1.123.64; 2.30.0 up to, but not including, 2.30.1; 2.0.0-rc.0 up to, but not including, 2.29.8 | 1.123.64, 2.30.1, 2.29.8 |
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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- 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:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.9 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
n8n contains a sanitizer bypass vulnerability in the legacy expression evaluator's computed-member handler. An authenticated user with workflow create or modify permissions can craft a malicious expression to bypass the sanitizer and achieve host-level code execution as the n8n process. The legacy expression engine is the default in affected versions. Fixed in n8n 1.123.64, 2.29.8, and 2.30.1.
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 Expression Language Statement
The product constructs all or part of an expression language (EL) statement in a framework such as a Java Server Page (JSP) using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended EL statement before it is executed.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Avoid adding user-controlled data into an expression interpreter when possible.
- If user-controlled data must be added to an expression interpreter, one or more of the following should be performed: Validate that the user input will not evaluate as an expression Encode the user input in a way that ensures it is not evaluated as an expression
- The framework or tooling might allow the developer to disable or deactivate the processing of EL expressions, such as setting the isELIgnored attribute for a JSP page to true.
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
Third-party and government advisories
- vulncheck.com/advisories/n8n-before-sanitizer-bypass-remote-code-executionThird Party Advisory
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 Expression Language Statement vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 9.0 Critical severity
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