n8n: Agent Workflow Tool Bypasses Sub-Workflow Caller Policy
## Impact A workflow's "_This workflow can be called by_" setting was enforced by the Execute Workflow node but was not consulted when the same workflow was attached to an Agent as a tool. A user who could build an Agent could therefore call a workflow that its owner had restricted, and read back what it returned. The patch applies the sub-workflow caller policy on the Agent tool path. ## Patches The issue has been fixed in n8n versions 2.37.7 and 2.38.2. Users should upgrade to one of these versions or later to remediate the vulnerability. ## Workarounds If upgrading is not immediately possible, administrators should consider the following temporary mitigations: - Restrict n8n instance access to fully trusted users only. - Audit workflows attached as Agent tools and review their caller policy settings. - Remove sensitive workflows from Agent tool configurations until the instance is patched. These workarounds do not fully remediate the risk and should only be used as short-term mitigation measures.
describes (1)
Related CVEs.
| ID | severity | exploitable | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-86996US | medium5.4OT elevated | — | ||
n8n is an open source workflow automation platform. Prior to 2.37.7 and 2.38.2, the workflow setting named This workflow can be called by was enforced by the Execute Workflow node… | ||||
references
External citations — patches, advisories, analysis.
Advisories like this name the exposed products attackers go after on your perimeter. See what is exposed on your perimeter with a free passive scan.
Free scan