CVE-2026-42236
HIGHn8n is an open source workflow automation platform. Prior to versions 1.123.32, 2.17.4, and 2.18.1, the MCP OAuth client registration endpoint accepted unauthenticated requests and…
EPSS Exploitation Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) is a daily probability model maintained by FIRST.org. It estimates the likelihood a CVE will be exploited in production environments within the next 30 days, derived from real-world threat intelligence signals.
Description
n8n is an open source workflow automation platform. Prior to versions 1.123.32, 2.17.4, and 2.18.1, the MCP OAuth client registration endpoint accepted unauthenticated requests and stored client data without adequate resource controls. An unauthenticated remote attacker could exhaust server memory resources by sending large registration payloads, rendering the n8n instance unavailable. The MCP enable/disable toggle gates MCP access but did not restrict client registrations, meaning the endpoint is reachable regardless of whether MCP access is enabled on the instance. This issue has been patched in versions 1.123.32, 2.17.4, and 2.18.1.
Affected Products
n8nn8nDetection & mitigation playbook
Vendor / applianceDetect
Inventory every n8n n8n deployment and check each version against the affected-products list above. Because the exploit targets the running system rather than your application code, also watch for exploitation at the network and runtime layer — O3 flags the exploit behaviour from runtime telemetry and egress traffic even before a vulnerable build is confirmed.
Fix
Apply the n8n n8n security patch or hotfix for CVE-2026-42236 on the affected version, following the vendor advisory for your exact build.
Workarounds
Cut exposure now: restrict the management/admin interface to trusted networks, segment the device, and apply the vendor's recommended configuration mitigations and any WAF/IPS signature. O3's runtime protection blocks the exploit chain at execution, holding the line on unpatched or end-of-life systems until you can patch.
How O3 protects you
O3 detects and blocks CVE-2026-42236 exploitation at runtime: eBPF exploit-chain detection, plus L7 egress monitoring that catches the post-exploitation callback and severs the attacker's outbound channel.
Tailored to CVE-2026-42236. Runtime protection reduces exposure until a permanent patch is applied and verified — it complements patching, it doesn't replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2026-42236 being exploited in your environment?
O3's eBPF runtime sensors and L7 egress monitoring detect and block the CVE-2026-42236 exploit chain at execution — protecting unpatched and end-of-life systems until the vendor patch is applied.