n8n: Improper Privilege Management
CVE-2026-65595 is a high-severity improper privilege management 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 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 53% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update n8n to 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 | 2.30.0 up to, but not including, 2.30.1; before 2.29.8 | 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 before 2.30.1 and 2.29.8 assigns all Public API key scopes to JWTs issued through the Token Exchange module regardless of the acting user's role. On instances where the Token Exchange feature and Public API are enabled, a low-privileged user who can obtain a valid external JWT trusted by a configured issuer can use the resulting access token to invoke administrator-only Public API operations such as role escalation, user creation, and user deletion (role escalation requires an Advanced Permissions license), and, when unverified Community Package installation is enabled, achieve remote code execution.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)
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-privilege-escalation-via-token-exchangeThird 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 Privilege Management vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.