Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2026-27497 is a critical n8n flaw. A logged-in user who can create or edit workflows could abuse the Merge node’s SQL query mode to run arbitrary code and write files on the n8n server. This can threaten server integrity, data, and connected automation workflows. Fixed versions are available.
Executive priority
Prioritize within the next patch cycle, or sooner for shared or externally accessible n8n environments. The issue can become full server compromise by a lower-privileged authenticated workflow editor, so permission review and upgrade tracking should be treated as urgent operational risk reduction.
Technical view
Affected n8n versions before 1.123.22, 2.9.3, and 2.10.1 allow authenticated workflow creators/editors to leverage Merge node SQL query mode for arbitrary code execution and file writes. The advisory maps this to CWE-89 and CWE-94 with CVSS 4.0 score 9.4. Vendor-recommended remediation is upgrading to fixed releases.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to n8n deployments where unpatched versions are running and users have workflow creation or editing permissions. Risk increases if those permissions are broadly assigned, given to semi-trusted users, or available in multi-user/self-service environments.
Exploitation context
Sources state exploitation requires authentication and permission to create or modify workflows. The source bundle does not cite active exploitation, and KEV is false. No public exploit status is established from the provided sources.
Researcher notes
Focus validation on version branches and authorization boundaries. The key exposure condition is not anonymous access; it is authenticated workflow creation/editing plus affected Merge node functionality. The provided sources name fixes and temporary mitigations but do not provide evidence of exploitation in the wild.
Mitigation direction
- Upgrade n8n to 1.123.22, 2.9.3, 2.10.1, or later.
- Temporarily restrict workflow creation and editing to fully trusted users only.
- If needed short term, disable the Merge node using the vendor-documented NODES_EXCLUDE setting.
- Treat workarounds as temporary; they do not fully remediate the risk.
Validation and detection
- Inventory all n8n instances and record their exact versions.
- Confirm instances are on 1.123.22, 2.9.3, 2.10.1, or later.
- Review who can create or modify workflows in n8n.
- Check whether the Merge node is available where upgrades are delayed.
- Monitor vendor advisories and release notes for additional guidance.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CWE-89: Database access and collection lookup
Injection into data stores can inform collection, data access, and exfiltration detection reviews. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCWE-94: Code execution behavior lookup
Code execution and unsafe deserialization weaknesses often justify reviewing execution behavior and process telemetry. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupExecution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2026-27497 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Critical
- CVSS
- 9.4 (4.0)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H——Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 4.0 score
9.4CriticalVector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/security/advisories/GHSA-wxx7-mcgf-j869CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
- https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/releases/tag/n8n@1.123.22CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/releases/tag/n8n@2.10.1CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/releases/tag/n8n@2.9.3CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.
Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.