CVE-2026-33032
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitnginx-ui's Unauthenticated MCP Endpoint Allows Remote Nginx Takeover
Published Mar 30, 2026 · Updated Sep 10, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-h6c2-x2m2-mwhf, GO-2026-4904
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-33032 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Nginx Ui (Nginxui), github.com/0xJacky/Nginx-UI (go).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 13, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 2.5% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Nginx Ui 2.3.5.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
2.5%
Higher than 84.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2026-33032 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Nginx UI is a web user interface for the Nginx web server. In versions 2.3.5 and prior, the nginx-ui MCP (Model Context Protocol) integration exposes two HTTP endpoints: /mcp and /mcp_message. While /mcp requires both IP whitelisting and authentication (AuthRequired() middleware), the /mcp_message endpoint only applies IP whitelisting - and the default IP whitelist is empty, which the middleware treats as "allow all". This means any network attacker can invoke all MCP tools without authentication, including restarting nginx, creating/modifying/deleting nginx configuration files, and triggering automatic config reloads - achieving complete nginx service takeover. At time of publication, there are no publicly available patches.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 13, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Nginx UiNginxui | >= <= 2.3.5 | 2.3.5 |
| github.com/0xJacky/Nginx-UIgo | See advisory | n/a |
Patched Releases
Nginx Ui
2.3.5
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Mar 30, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 13, 2026
Last updated
Sep 10, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-306 Missing Authentication for Critical Function
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://github.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/tree/main/cves/2026/33xxx/CVE-2026-33032.json
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-33032
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Nginx UI is a web user interface for the Nginx web server.
Affected: Nginx Ui (Nginxui) versions >= <= 2.3.5; github.com/0xJacky/Nginx-UI (go). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 13, 2026.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Nginx Ui 2.3.5.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2026-33032 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo