Is this vulnerability remotely exploitable over the internet?

Yes, if the n8n instance is exposed over the network and accessible to users, an authenticated user can exploit the issue remotely by calling the dynamic-node-parameters endpoints. However, it does not allow anonymous exploitation; valid authentication is required.

What level of access does an attacker need to exploit this?

The attacker needs a valid n8n account and access to a shared workflow that uses dynamic credential resolution. They do not need direct access to the victim's credentials; the flaw lies in the backend accepting arbitrary credential IDs from any authenticated caller.

What is the safest general fix pattern for this kind of issue?

Enforce strict, centralized authorization checks for every secret access path. The backend should derive allowed credentials from the authenticated user's context or workflow ownership, rather than trusting IDs from the request, and should refuse to decrypt or use any credential not explicitly permitted.

Severity:

HIGH RISK

(7.5)

Missing Authorization Check (CWE-862) in n8n Dynamic Credential Resolution

CVE-2026-42226

Published:

May 4, 2026

Status:

Analyzed

Summary

Affected Context

Exploit Preconditions

Why This Happens

Potential Impact

General Mitigation Guidance

How Teams Detect Issues Like This

Frequently Asked Questions

Source

NDV

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HIGH RISK

HIGH

(8.8)

Authorization Bypass (CWE-863) in OpenClaw Matrix Room Control Commands

Privilege Escalation via Bypassed Access Control

May 6, 2026

Vulnerability Type

Category:

Missing Authorization

CWE:

CWE-862

Impact:

Credential Exfiltration and Unauthorized Use of Secrets

Severity:

HIGH RISK

(7.5)

CVSS Version:

3.1

Vulnerability Type

Category:

Missing Authorization

CWE:

CWE-862

Impact:

Credential Exfiltration and Unauthorized Use of Secrets

Severity:

HIGH RISK

(7.5)

CVSS Version:

3.1

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Missing Authorization Check (CWE-862) in n8n Dynamic Credential Resolution

Summary

Affected Context

Exploit Preconditions

Why This Happens

Potential Impact

General Mitigation Guidance

How Teams Detect Issues Like This

Frequently Asked Questions

Source

Recent Vulnerabilities

HIGH RISK

HIGH

(8.6)

Server-Side Request Forgery (CWE-918) in OpenClaw Zalo Plugin sendPhoto

HIGH RISK

HIGH

(8.8)

Authorization Bypass (CWE-863) in OpenClaw Matrix Room Control Commands

Vulnerability Type

Vulnerability Type

Vulnerability Type

Catch This CVE While Code Is Being Written

Ship clean & secure code faster

Ship clean & secure code faster

Ship clean & secure code faster

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