Process-wide object mutation via unresolved free identifiers
Published Sep 3, 2026 · Updated Sep 3, 2026
Expression sandbox bypass in n8n before 2.36.2 allows remote authenticated users to mutate process-wide host objects through workflows. The expression rewriter leaves free identifiers in spread, computed-key, switch-case, and class-extension positions unresolved, causing them to bind to process globals. Workflow-edit permission is required, and each shared-object mutation affects later expression evaluations across the process until restart.
Summary
What happened
Expression sandbox bypass in n8n before 2.36.2 allows remote authenticated users to mutate process-wide host objects through workflows. The expression rewriter leaves free identifiers in spread, computed-key, switch-case, and class-extension positions unresolved, causing them to bind to process globals. Workflow-edit permission is required, and each shared-object mutation affects later expression evaluations across the process until restart.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-85165
- Published
- Sep 3, 2026
- Updated
- Sep 3, 2026
- Vendor
- n8n
- Product
- n8n
- Classifications
- T1190
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Sep 3, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Sep 3, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=0 <2.35.4
- Affected versionversion=0 <2.36.2
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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