Critical n8n Vulnerability Allows Authenticated Remote Code Execution
A critical security vulnerability has been identified in n8n, a workflow automation tool, which could allow authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the host server.
A critical security vulnerability has been identified in n8n, a workflow automation tool, which could allow authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the host server.
The vulnerability, known as CVE-2026-21877, is classified as high-severity and affects both self-hosted and n8n Cloud instances. Users are advised to upgrade to version 1.121.3 to mitigate risks.
The issue is an Authenticated Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability arising from improper handling of user inputs in certain workflow nodes, particularly the Git node functionality. An attacker with low-level privileges can exploit this flaw to execute untrusted code.
Successful exploitation may lead to a complete compromise of the affected instance, enabling attackers to steal credentials, access internal networks, or manipulate workflows.
CVE ID: CVE-2026-21877 CVSS Score: 9.9 (Critical) Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H Impact: High Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability
The CVSS score highlights the severity, indicating a network-based attack with low complexity, no user interaction required, and potential for broader system compromise.
The vulnerability, reported by security researcher theolelasseux, leverages CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type) and command injection vectors. Users can create complex workflows using "nodes," and the vulnerability specifically targets the processing of authenticated requests. Exploiting the Git node could allow execution of shell commands, leading to full compromise of the instance.
The vulnerability, known as CVE-2026-21877, is classified as high-severity and affects both self-hosted and n8n Cloud instances.
A patch has been released to address this issue. Users are strongly advised to update to version 1.121.3 or later to sanitize inputs and restrict execution capabilities of affected nodes.
Upgrade: Update n8n instances to v1.121.3. Restrict Access: Limit access to trusted users if an upgrade is not possible immediately. Disable Features: Temporarily disable the Git node functionality to reduce the attack surface.
Organizations using n8n Cloud are affected, though managed instances are typically patched by the provider. Self-hosted users, particularly those with internet-exposed instances, are advised to apply the patch promptly.
Metric Details
CVE ID CVE-2026-21877
Severity Critical (9.9)
Affected Versions Pre-1.121.3
Patched Version 1.121.3
Reporter theolelasseux
Administrators should review instance logs for any suspicious activity involving the Git node or unexpected command executions prior to patching.
n8n is a "fair-code" workflow automation tool used for technical process automation, data synchronization, and backend development.
Based on reporting by GBHackers.
