Critical severity · published May 4, 2026
CVE-2026-42221
nginx-ui: Unauthenticated First-Run Installer Allows Remote Initial Admin Claim
9.8
CVSS
1.3%
EPSS
No
On KEV
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.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack vector
Network
Complexity
Low
Privileges
None
User interaction
None
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Scope
Unchanged
Exploitation
Is it being used?
Exploit prediction (EPSS)1.3% · higher than 71% of CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet
CISA KEVNot listed
Ransomware campaign useNot known
Affected products
Which versions
NG
nginx-ui · 0xJacky
>= 2.0.0, < 2.3.8 · source: vendor
NU
Nginx UI · Nginxui
2.0.0 before 2.3.8 · source: NVD
Affected product
NG
nginx-ui
0xJacky
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