CVE-2026-42221

Description

Nginx UI is a web user interface for the Nginx web server. From version 2.0.0 to before version 2.3.8, an unauthenticated network attacker can claim the initial administrator account on a fresh nginx-ui instance during the first-run setup window. The public /api/install endpoint is reachable without authentication, and the request-encryption flow only protects payload confidentiality in transit; it does not authenticate who is allowed to perform installation. A remote attacker who reaches the service before the legitimate operator can set the admin email, username, and password, causing permanent initial-instance takeover. This issue has been patched in version 2.3.8.

Weakness classification

• security-advisories@github.com: CWE-306

Primary references

• security-advisories@github.com — Release Notes
• security-advisories@github.com — Exploit, Mitigation, Vendor Advisory
• 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0 — Exploit, Mitigation, Vendor Advisory