Which cranial nerve is most vulnerable to injury within the cavernous sinus due to its unique anatomical position?

The abducens nerve (CN VI) is particularly vulnerable to injury within the cavernous sinus due to its long course. This is the sole nerve who runs through the cavernous sinus (all other nerves are within the sinus wall). Therefore pathologies within the cavernous sinus (tumors, aneurysm of the internal carotid artery) can cause direct compression to the nerve.