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CVE-2026-42238

Nginxui Nginx UI code injection

9.8 CRITICALPublic exploitEPSS 0.83%
  1. Published4 May 2026

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.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork
Attack complexityLow
Privileges requiredNone
User interactionNone
ScopeUnchanged
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

Nginxui Nginx UI< 2.3.8

Remediation

Fixed in
Nginxui Nginx UI≥ 2.3.8

References

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Frequently asked

Is CVE-2026-42238 being actively exploited?

CVE-2026-42238 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. A public exploit reference exists, so treat it as exploitable. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.83%.

How severe is CVE-2026-42238?

CVE-2026-42238 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.83% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2026-42238?

Affected products include Nginxui Nginx UI.

How do I fix CVE-2026-42238?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Nginxui Nginx UI 2.3.8 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-42238 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

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Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.