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n8n XML node prototype pollution patch bypass

IdentifiersCVE-2026-44791CWE-1321

CVE-2026-44791 is a critical patch-bypass vulnerability in the n8n XML node. According to the provided advisory context, the issue allows prototype pollution through alternate paths despite a prior fix for a related XML node flaw. The vulnerability affects n8n deployments on vulnerable branches prior to versions 1.123.43, 2.20.7, and 2.22.1. The available information indicates that a low-privileged authenticated user with workflow editing capabilities can exploit the XML node to reintroduce prototype pollution conditions that were intended to be blocked by the earlier patch.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows an authenticated workflow editor to bypass the prior XML node patch and achieve prototype pollution in the n8n execution context. On its own, this undermines application integrity; when chained with other vulnerable nodes or techniques, the issue can lead to remote code execution on the n8n host and potentially full system compromise.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

If immediate patching is not possible, restrict workflow creation and editing permissions to fully trusted users only. As a temporary measure, disable the XML node by adding n8n-nodes-base.xml to the NODES_EXCLUDE environment variable. The broader report also recommends limiting workflow creation/editing permissions and disabling vulnerable nodes where feasible. These measures reduce exposure but do not fully remediate the vulnerability.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade n8n to a fixed release. The provided advisory states that the vulnerability is fixed in versions 1.123.43, 2.20.7, 2.22.1, and later, as appropriate for the deployment branch. Because this issue is a patch bypass and no complete workaround exists, vendor-recommended upgrading should be treated as the primary remediation.

PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

No public exploits tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.

VALID 0 / 0 TOTALView more in app

No public exploit code observed for this vulnerability.

EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType

N8nN8napplication

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

4 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.

4 SOURCESView more in app

cyber security newsNews

May 18, 2026

Critical n8n Vulnerabilities Expose Automation Nodes to Full RCE

A critical patch bypass vulnerability in n8n's XML node that re-enables prototype pollution and can be chained for remote code execution.

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Exposure mapping

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Threat actor evidence

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures

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Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity3