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CVE Record

CVE-2020-36309: ngx_http_lua_module (aka lua-nginx-module) before 0.10.16 in OpenResty allows unsafe characters in an argum...

ngx_http_lua_module (aka lua-nginx-module) before 0.10.16 in OpenResty allows unsafe characters in an argument when using the API to mutate a URI, or a request or response header.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This issue affects older lua-nginx-module/OpenResty code where changing a URI or HTTP header through its Lua APIs could allow unsafe characters. Business impact depends on whether the environment uses those APIs with attacker-influenced data. The source bundle provides no CVSS score or confirmed active exploitation.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted dependency hygiene item, not an emergency based on current evidence. Prioritize exposed OpenResty systems and vendor appliances that use affected lua-nginx-module versions.

Technical view

CVE-2020-36309 is described as unsafe character handling in ngx_http_lua_module before 0.10.16 when mutating a URI, request header, or response header. The public references point to the 0.10.16 change set and PR, plus NetApp and Debian advisories. Specific impact mechanics are not fully documented in the bundle.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely in OpenResty or NGINX deployments using lua-nginx-module before 0.10.16, especially custom Lua logic that rewrites URIs or modifies request or response headers.

Exploitation context

The provided sources do not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. Exploitability cannot be ruled out, but the bundle does not provide enough detail to assert real-world attacks or severity.

Researcher notes

The record lacks CVSS, CWE, and detailed affected-product metadata. The version boundary is clear from the CVE description, but impact analysis requires reviewing the upstream PR and local Lua usage patterns.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade lua-nginx-module to 0.10.16 or later where applicable.
  • Check OpenResty, Debian, NetApp, and other vendor guidance for packaged fixes.
  • Prioritize systems that mutate URIs or HTTP headers through Lua APIs.
  • Review custom Lua code handling untrusted request data before header or URI mutation.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory OpenResty and lua-nginx-module versions across internet-facing and internal gateways.
  • Confirm whether deployments run lua-nginx-module before 0.10.16.
  • Review Lua code for URI, request header, or response header mutation paths.
  • Check vendor package advisories for fixed downstream versions.
  • Document any exposed services relying on custom OpenResty routing or header logic.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
6Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.