CVE-2026-42221 HIGH

CVE-2026-42221: nginx-ui: Unauthenticated First-Run Installer Allows Remote Initial Admin Claim

Vendor 0Xjacky
Product nginx-ui
Weakness CWE-306 · Missing auth
Published May 4, 2026
Last update May 5, 2026

CVSS base score

8.1/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity High
Privileges required None
User interaction None
Confidentiality High
Integrity High

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

What the vulnerability does

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.

Key dates

Disclosure timeline

May 4, 2026 CVE published
May 5, 2026 Record updated