n8n XML Node Prototype Pollution Leading to RCE
CVE-2026-42232 is a vulnerability in n8n, the open source workflow automation platform. In n8n versions prior to 1.123.32, 2.17.4, and 2.18.1, an authenticated user with permission to create or modify workflows can trigger global prototype pollution through the XML Node. The flaw allows attacker-controlled properties to be introduced into the global prototype chain during workflow creation or modification. On its own, this corrupts application object behavior globally; when chained with other workflow nodes that consume or act on polluted prototype properties, the condition can be escalated to remote code execution. The issue is specifically described as originating in the XML Node component and affecting users with low privileges sufficient to edit workflows.
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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.
Mitigation
If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.
n8n-nodes-base.xml to the NODES_EXCLUDE environment variable. These measures reduce exposure but are temporary mitigations and do not fully eliminate the underlying risk.Remediation
Patch, then assume compromise.
Exploits
No public exploits tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.
No public exploit code observed for this vulnerability.
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.
Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.
Recent activity
6 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
The version that knows your environment.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.