CVE-2026-42221Nginxui · Nginx_ui
Vulnerability data via NVD (ingested)
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.
External references
Search for exposed instances
Shodan + Censys queries derived from NVD's CPE data. The vuln tag catches assets Shodan has explicitly linked to this CVE; the product / banner fingerprints find exposed instances even when the vuln tag was never applied (which is common).
vuln:CVE-2026-42221product:"Nginxui Nginx Ui"http.html:"Nginx Ui"More intel sources (5)
vuln:CVE-2026-42221vulnerabilities.cve_id: CVE-2026-42221CVE-2026-42221CVE-2026-42221"CVE-2026-42221" exploit -site:nvd.nist.gov