CVE-2025-68613

n8n, an open source workflow automation platform, contains a critical remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2025-68613, CWE-913) in its workflow expression evaluation system, affecting versions starting at 0.211.0 and prior to 1.120.4, 1.121.1, and 1.122.0. The flaw is triggered when expressions supplied by authenticated users during workflow configuration are evaluated in an execution context that is not sufficiently isolated from the underlying runtime, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the n8n process. Successful exploitation can result in full compromise of the affected instance, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of workflows, and execution of system-level operations. Any self-hosted or cloud n8n deployment running an affected version is exposed, with public scans indicating roughly 24,700 instances remain exposed on the internet. The flaw was added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-03-11, EPSS places the 30-day exploitation probability at 99.1% (100th percentile), and Akamai has documented a ZeroBot malware campaign targeting n8n instances.

What to do: Upgrade immediately to n8n 1.120.4, 1.121.1, or 1.122.0 (or later), as the flaw is in CISA KEV and actively exploited by the ZeroBot malware campaign documented by Akamai. If immediate upgrade is not possible, restrict workflow creation and editing permissions to fully trusted users and run n8n in a hardened environment with restricted OS privileges and network access, keeping in mind these mitigations do not fully eliminate the risk. Review instances for signs of compromise, including unexpected workflow changes and suspicious process activity, and apply BOD 22-01 requirements if the product is used in federal cloud services.