AI agent incident

n8n patched a sandbox escape that ran OS commands as the n8n process

Reported · 1 source

What happened

n8n fixed a sandbox escape in versions 2.31.5 and 2.32.1 that let authenticated workflow editors run operating system commands as the n8n process.

Why it matters

Automation platforms increasingly orchestrate agent workflows, and a sandbox that holds only against well-behaved input passes remote code execution straight through to the platform team.

Sources

  1. The Hacker News n8n Sandbox Escape Lets Workflow Editors Run OS Commands as the n8n Process

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Background reading

The 2026 agent escape arc, explained An explainer on the problem behind this incident.

In the tools directory

This page lists this record as a related incident, next to the products in the category and questions to ask their vendors.

Cite or correct this record

“n8n patched a sandbox escape that ran OS commands as the n8n process.” The Permission Layer AI Agent Incident Database, https://thepermissionlayer.com/incidents/n8n-sandbox-escape/. Database updated October 22, 2026.

Every record traces to the dated sources above. If something here is wrong or missing, email [email protected] and it gets fixed. See this record in the full list.

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