n8n: Cross-Issuer Token Exchange Account Binding via Subject-Only Identity Resolution
Impact
When an n8n instance is configured with more than one trusted token-exchange issuer, external identities are resolved to local accounts using only the JWT sub claim, ignoring the issuer (iss). As a result, two different issuers that emit the same subject value map to the same local account.
An attacker who can obtain a valid token from one trusted issuer with a sub matching a victim registered under a different issuer can authenticate as that victim and access their account.
This issue only affects instances where the token exchange feature is enabled and more than one trusted external issuer is configured.
Patches
The issue has been fixed in n8n version 2.28.1. Users should upgrade to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability.
Workarounds
If upgrading is not immediately possible, administrators should consider the following temporary mitigations:
- If multiple trusted issuers are not required, reduce the token exchange configuration to a single trusted issuer.
- Disable the token exchange feature entirely if it is not in active use.
These workarounds do not fully remediate the risk and should only be used as short-term mitigation measures.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | n8n | >= 2.28.0, < 2.28.1, < 2.27.4 | 2.28.1, 2.27.4 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-287, CWE-346- Platform
- npm
- Package
n8n- Disclosed
- 22.07.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-mq3m-f8x3-579w - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: n8n
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 156
- First → latest
- 05.2023 09.2026
- Without a fix
- 1
- Exploited in attacks
- 1
Severity breakdown
- Critical 24
- High 58
- Medium 74
Disclosures per year
- 2023: 3
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 14
- 2026: 139
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n8n: Cross-Issuer Token Exchange Account Binding via Subject-Only Identity Resolution this entry
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