CVE-2026-42238

9.8 CRITICAL
Published: May 04, 2026 Modified: May 06, 2026
View on NVD

Description

Nginx UI is a web user interface for the Nginx web server. Prior to version 2.3.8, nginx-ui exposes a backup restore endpoint (POST /api/restore) that is completely unauthenticated during the first 10 minutes after process startup on any fresh installation. An unauthenticated remote attacker can upload a crafted backup archive that overwrites the application's configuration file (app.ini) and SQLite database. Because the attacker controls the restored app.ini, they can inject an arbitrary OS command into the TestConfigCmd setting. After the application automatically restarts to apply the restored config, a single follow-up request triggers that command as the user running nginx-ui — typically root in Docker deployments. This issue has been patched in version 2.3.8.

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CVSS v3.x Details

0.0 Low Medium High Critical 10.0
Vector String
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools

Patch Vendor Advisory Exploit Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/0xJacky/nginx-ui/releases/tag/v2.3.8
Source: security-advisories@github.com
Release Notes
https://github.com/0xJacky/nginx-ui/security/advisories/GHSA-4pvg-prr3-9cxr
Source: security-advisories@github.com
Exploit Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/0xJacky/nginx-ui/security/advisories/GHSA-4pvg-prr3-9cxr
Source: 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0
Exploit Vendor Advisory

3 reference(s) from NVD

Quick Stats

CVSS v3 Score
9.8 / 10.0
EPSS (Exploit Probability)
0.8%
51th percentile
Exploitation Status
Not in CISA KEV

Weaknesses (CWE)

Affected Vendors

nginxui