CVE-2026-42221: Nginx-UI: Unauthenticated First-Run Installer Allows Remote Initial Admin Claim
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.
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Code Behaviors & Features
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