Executive Intelligence Brief

A critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-71380, has been identified in the Execute Command node of n8n, a popular workflow automation tool. This vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 8.8, allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on the host system where n8n runs. Attackers with user access or compromised credentials can exploit this node to run malicious commands, potentially leading to data exfiltration, service disruption, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects n8n versions up to 1.114.4 and has not been reported as actively exploited. Immediate patching or mitigation is highly recommended.

Threat Overview

The Execute Command node in n8n is designed to execute arbitrary commands on the host system. While this functionality is powerful, it also introduces significant risk if not properly secured. CVE-2025-71380 exploits this risk by allowing authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands, which can lead to severe consequences, including data exfiltration, service disruption, or complete system compromise. n8n is a workflow automation tool that allows users to create complex workflows by connecting various services and applications. Its flexibility and extensibility make it a popular choice for automation tasks, but also introduce potential security risks if not properly managed.

Technical Deep Dive

Vulnerability Classification

CVE-2025-71380 is classified as a CWE-284 Improper Access Control vulnerability. This class of vulnerability occurs when an application does not properly restrict access to certain functionality or resources, allowing unauthorized users to perform actions they should not be able to. In this case, the vulnerability allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on the host system, which can lead to severe consequences.

Root Cause Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability is the lack of proper access control and input validation in the Execute Command node of n8n. The node allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands without proper validation or restriction, which can lead to severe consequences. The vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that n8n allows users to create complex workflows, which can include the Execute Command node.

Attack Vector & Chain

The attack vector for CVE-2025-71380 involves an authenticated user exploiting the Execute Command node to execute arbitrary commands on the host system. The attack chain is as follows:

  • Initial Access: An attacker gains access to a valid user account or compromises a user's credentials.
  • Execution: The attacker uses the Execute Command node to execute arbitrary commands on the host system.
  • Impact: The attacker can potentially lead to data exfiltration, service disruption, or complete system compromise.

Exploitation Scenario Walkthrough

Scenario: Arbitrary Command Execution via Execute Command Node

Reconnaissance: An attacker gains access to a valid user account or compromises a user's credentials.

Weaponization: The attacker prepares a malicious command to be executed on the host system.

Delivery & Exploitation: The attacker uses the Execute Command node to execute the malicious command on the host system.

Post-Exploitation: The attacker can potentially lead to data exfiltration, service disruption, or complete system compromise.

Impact Realization: The attacker achieves their goal, which can include data exfiltration, service disruption, or complete system compromise.

Exploitation in the Wild

CVE-2025-71380 has not been reported as actively exploited in the wild. However, the vulnerability's severity and potential impact make it a high-priority target for attackers.

Impact Analysis

Direct Impact

The direct impact of CVE-2025-71380 is the ability for authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on the host system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, service disruption, or complete system compromise.

Downstream & Cascading Effects

The downstream and cascading effects of CVE-2025-71380 can be severe, including:

  • Data exfiltration: An attacker can steal sensitive data, including user credentials, financial information, or intellectual property.
  • Service disruption: An attacker can disrupt critical services, leading to downtime and lost productivity.
  • Complete system compromise: An attacker can gain complete control of the host system, leading to severe consequences.

Affected Products & Versions

CVE-2025-71380 affects n8n versions up to 1.114.4. The following versions are affected:

  • n8n < 1.114.4

Detection & Threat Hunting

Indicators of Compromise

The following indicators of compromise (IoCs) may indicate exploitation of CVE-2025-71380:

  • Unusual command execution activity on the host system.
  • Anomalous network activity.
  • Unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Detection Rules & Signatures

The following detection rules and signatures may help detect exploitation of CVE-2025-71380:

  • Monitor command execution logs for unusual activity.
  • Implement network monitoring to detect anomalous activity.
  • Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) to detect potential exploitation attempts.

Threat Hunting Queries

The following threat hunting queries may help identify potential exploitation of CVE-2025-71380:

  • Search command execution logs for unusual activity.
  • Monitor network traffic for anomalous activity.
  • Use security information and event management (SIEM) systems to detect potential exploitation attempts.

Remediation & Hardening

Immediate Actions (0-24 hours)

The following immediate actions are recommended:

  • Patch n8n to version 1.114.5 or later.
  • Implement access controls to restrict access to the Execute Command node.
  • Monitor command execution logs for unusual activity.

Short-Term Hardening (1-7 days)

The following short-term hardening measures are recommended:

  • Implement network segmentation to restrict access to critical systems.
  • Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) to detect potential exploitation attempts.
  • Monitor network traffic for anomalous activity.

Strategic Recommendations

The following strategic recommendations are made:

  • Implement a comprehensive vulnerability management program to ensure timely patching and mitigation of vulnerabilities.
  • Use security information and event management (SIEM) systems to detect potential exploitation attempts.
  • Implement access controls to restrict access to critical systems and functionality.

Analyst Assessment

CVE-2025-71380 is a critical vulnerability with a high CVSS score of 8.8. The vulnerability's severity and potential impact make it a high-priority target for attackers. While the vulnerability has not been reported as actively exploited, immediate patching or mitigation is highly recommended. The likelihood of exploitation is high, given the vulnerability's severity and potential impact.

Sources

  • National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
  • https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-71380
  • https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/security/advisories/GHSA-365g-vjw2-grx8
  • https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/n8n-arbitrary-command-execution-via-execute-command-node