Is CVE-2026-42238 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2026-42238 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2026-42238 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2026-42238 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-42238?

CVE-2026-42238 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL).

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CRITICAL

CVE-2026-42238

CWE-94Published: May 4, 2026· Updated: May 6, 2026

9.8

CVSS v3.1

EPSS:0.23%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:45.6th

Official 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.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2026-42238 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.