n8n 2.0.0 File System Access Bypass in Code Node Pre2.0.0 Auth Escalation
CVE-2025-68697 Published on December 26, 2025

Self-hosted n8n has Legacy Code node that enables arbitrary file read/write
n8n is an open source workflow automation platform. Prior to version 2.0.0, in self-hosted n8n instances where the Code node runs in legacy (non-task-runner) JavaScript execution mode, authenticated users with workflow editing access can invoke internal helper functions from within the Code node. This allows a workflow editor to perform actions on the n8n host with the same privileges as the n8n process, including: reading files from the host filesystem (subject to any file-access restrictions configured on the instance and OS/container permissions), and writing files to the host filesystem (subject to the same restrictions). This issue has been patched in version 2.0.0. Workarounds for this issue involve limiting file operations by setting N8N_RESTRICT_FILE_ACCESS_TO to a dedicated directory (e.g., ~/.n8n-files) and ensure it contains no sensitive data, keeping N8N_BLOCK_FILE_ACCESS_TO_N8N_FILES=true (default) to block access to .n8n and user-defined config files, and disabling high-risk nodes (including the Code node) using NODES_EXCLUDE if workflow editors are not fully trusted.

Github Repository NVD

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2025-68697 can be exploited with network access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have a small impact on confidentiality, a high impact on integrity, and no impact on availability.

Attack Vector:
NETWORK
Attack Complexity:
LOW
Privileges Required:
LOW
User Interaction:
NONE
Scope:
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality Impact:
LOW
Integrity Impact:
HIGH
Availability Impact:
NONE

Weakness Types

Improper Privilege Management

The software does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.

Exposed Dangerous Method or Function

The software provides an Applications Programming Interface (API) or similar interface for interaction with external actors, but the interface includes a dangerous method or function that is not properly restricted.


Products Associated with CVE-2025-68697

Want to know whenever a new CVE is published for N8n? stack.watch will email you.

N8n
 

Affected Versions

n8n-io n8n Version < 2.0.0 is affected by CVE-2025-68697

Vulnerable Packages

The following package name and versions may be associated with CVE-2025-68697

Package Manager Vulnerable Package Versions Fixed In
npm n8n < 2.0.0 2.0.0

Exploit Probability

EPSS
0.02%
Percentile
3.32%

EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.