CVE-2026-42238 Details
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.
A critical vulnerability has been identified in nginx-ui versions prior to 2.3.8. The issue arises from an unauthenticated backup restore endpoint that is accessible during the first 10 minutes after installation. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to upload a malicious backup file that overwrites the application's configuration file and SQLite database. By injecting a command into the restored configuration, attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands with the same privileges as the nginx-ui process, typically root in Docker environments.
Users are advised to update to nginx-ui version 2.3.8 or later, where this vulnerability has been patched.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
CISA-ADP
Assessed May 5, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://github.com/0xJacky/nginx-ui/security/advisories/GHSA-4pvg-prr3-9cxr | CISA-ADP | ExploitVendor Advisory |
| https://github.com/0xJacky/nginx-ui/releases/tag/v2.3.8 | [email protected] | Release Notes |
| https://github.com/0xJacky/nginx-ui/security/advisories/GHSA-4pvg-prr3-9cxr | [email protected] | ExploitVendor Advisory |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-94 | Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| nginxui nginx ui | < 2.3.8 |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
5 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | [email protected] |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| May 6, 2026 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| May 5, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| May 4, 2026 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |