CVE-2020-35189: The official kong docker images before 1.0.2-alpine (Alpine specific) contain a blank password for a root user

Q: How do I fix CVE-2020-35189?

kong alpine docker image: upgrade to 1.0.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2020-35189 being exploited?

CVE-2020-35189 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2020-35189 affect?

CVE-2020-35189 affects kong alpine docker image. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The official kong docker images before 1.0.2-alpine (Alpine specific) contain a blank password for a root user. System using the kong docker container deployed by affected versions of the docker image may allow a remote attacker to achieve

Q: How urgent is CVE-2020-35189?

Priority 65/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2020-35189 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting kong alpine docker image. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The official kong docker images before 1.0.2-alpine (Alpine specific) contain a blank password for a root user. System using the kong docker container deployed by affected versions of the docker image may allow a remote attacker to achieve root access with a blank password.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.2% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-306
Published	2020-12-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: kong

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-12-17 01:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

kong kong alpine docker image UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.0.2

Fixed in: 1.0.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy kong-alpine-docker-image || rpm -q kong-alpine-docker-image || kong-alpine-docker-image --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.0.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade kong-alpine-docker-image

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade kong-alpine-docker-image

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2020-35189?

kong alpine docker image: upgrade to 1.0.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-35189 being exploited?

CVE-2020-35189 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2020-35189 affect?

CVE-2020-35189 affects kong alpine docker image. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The official kong docker images before 1.0.2-alpine (Alpine specific) contain a blank password for a root user. System using the kong docker container deployed by affected versions of the docker image may allow a remote attacker to achieve

How urgent is CVE-2020-35189?

Priority 65/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

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References

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