Nginx Proxy Manager Authenticated RCE via setupCertbotPlugins()
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Attack requirements
- Present
- Impact type
- Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 4.0 · CNA. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from CWE-78.
Summary
Nginx Proxy Manager versions 2.9.14 through 2.15.1, fixed in commit a5db5ed, contain an authenticated remote code execution vulnerability via OS command injection in the setupCertbotPlugins() function in backend/setup.js, allowing attackers with certificates:manage permission to execute arbitrary commands by storing a malicious payload in the dns_provider_credentials field. The user-controlled dns_provider_credentials value is interpolated directly into a shell command executed via child_process.exec() without sanitization or escaping, causing the injected command to execute upon backend restart.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- None
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Total
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NginxProxyManager | nginx-proxy-manager | 2.9.14 – 2.15.1 | — | Patch available | CNA |
- nginx-proxy-manager VendorNginxProxyManager Affected 2.9.14 – 2.15.1 Fixed in — Patch available CNA
Remediation
No fixed version listed by the sources yet.
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-40519
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-4pgp-q8h4-9wxm
References
More NginxProxyManager vulnerabilities
- TI-2026-63223 NginxProxyManager nginx-proxy-manager Validate Route certificate.js internalCertificate.validate missing authentication CVSS 4.0MEDIUM 6.9
- TI-2022-11133 jc21.com Nginx Proxy Manager before 2.9.17 allows XSS during item deletion. CVSS 3.1MEDIUM 6.8
- TI-2026-65356 Nginx Proxy Manager through 2.16.0 Missing Brute-Force Protection CVSS 4.0CRITICAL 9.1
- TI-2026-65357 Nginx Proxy Manager through 2.16.0 Improper Authorization via advanced_config CVSS 4.0HIGH 7.1
Sources
- CVE-2026-40519 · CVE Program
- CVE-2026-40519 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-4pgp-q8h4-9wxm · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences