CVE-2026-42238

9.0 CRITICAL 1.0% exploit odds Fix listed Injection Server

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited over the network without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 1.0% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2026-05-04 21:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-10-25 23:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 1.0% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 9.0 CRITICAL (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2026-05-04 21:16 UTC
Last modified: 2026-10-25 23:10 UTC
Exploit probability: 1.0% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-94 · Code injection
Record status: Analyzed

Affected

Nginxui nginx Ui < 2.3.8

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 9.0

Attack vector: Network
Complexity: Low
Attack requirements: Present
Privileges needed: None
User interaction: Passive
Confidentiality: High
Integrity: High
Availability: High

Raw vector

CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-42238.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-42238. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

· More options · Status badge

Download Square Reddit

Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record