EUVD-2025-204618

Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-204618

1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation

The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-204618 affects the n8n open-source workflow automation platform. It is classified as a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability, which allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary code within the context of the n8n process. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS base score of 10.0, indicating a highly critical issue. The CVSS vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H highlights the following characteristics:

• Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network.
• Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal complexity to exploit.
• Privileges Required (PR): Low (L) - The attacker needs low-level privileges, such as basic user authentication.
• User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required for the attack to succeed.
• Scope (S): Changed (C) - The vulnerability affects a different security scope, increasing its impact.
• Confidentiality (C), Integrity (I), Availability (A): High (H) - Successful exploitation results in high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods

The primary attack vector involves authenticated users supplying malicious expressions during workflow configuration. These expressions are evaluated in an execution context that is not sufficiently isolated from the underlying runtime, allowing for arbitrary code execution. Potential exploitation methods include:

• Malicious Workflow Configuration: An authenticated attacker could craft workflows with expressions designed to execute arbitrary code.
• Privilege Escalation: By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could escalate their privileges to perform system-level operations.
• Data Exfiltration: The attacker could access and exfiltrate sensitive data stored within the n8n instance.
• Workflow Manipulation: The attacker could modify existing workflows to disrupt operations or introduce malicious behavior.

3. Affected Systems and Software Versions

The vulnerability affects the following versions of n8n:

• Versions starting with 0.211.0 and prior to 1.120.4
• Version 1.121.1
• Version 1.122.0

Users are advised to upgrade to the patched versions:

• 1.120.4
• 1.121.1
• 1.122.0

4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:

• Immediate Upgrade: Upgrade to the patched versions (1.120.4, 1.121.1, or 1.122.0) which include additional safeguards to restrict expression evaluation.
• Temporary Mitigations:
  • Restrict Workflow Permissions: Limit workflow creation and editing permissions to fully trusted users only.
  • Hardened Environment: Deploy n8n in a hardened environment with restricted operating system privileges and network access to reduce the impact of potential exploitation.
• Monitoring and Logging: Implement robust monitoring and logging to detect and respond to any suspicious activities related to workflow configuration and execution.

5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape

The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using n8n for workflow automation, particularly those handling sensitive data or critical operations. Given the widespread use of n8n in various industries, the potential for widespread impact is high. Organizations in the European Union must comply with GDPR regulations, and a breach resulting from this vulnerability could lead to severe legal and financial consequences.

6. Technical Details for Security Professionals

• Vulnerability Identification: The issue is identified by EUVD ID EUVD-2025-204618 and CVE ID CVE-2025-68613.
• Affected Component: The vulnerability resides in the workflow expression evaluation system of n8n.
• Exploitation Context: The expressions supplied by authenticated users are evaluated in an insufficiently isolated execution context, leading to RCE.
• Patch Details: The patches introduce additional safeguards to restrict expression evaluation, ensuring that expressions are evaluated in a secure context.
• References:
  • GitHub Security Advisory
  • Patch Commit 1
  • Patch Commit 2
  • Patch Commit 3

In conclusion, the critical RCE vulnerability in n8n requires immediate attention from organizations using the affected versions. Upgrading to the patched versions and implementing temporary mitigations are essential steps to protect against potential exploitation. The European cybersecurity landscape must remain vigilant to such vulnerabilities to ensure the integrity and security of automated workflows.