18.1. Lua usage in Suricata

Lua scripting can be used in two components of Suricata. The first is in output and the second one in rules in the detection engine.

Both features are using a list of functions to access the data extracted by Suricata. You can get the list of functions in the Lua functions page.

Note

Currently, there is a difference in the needs key in the init function, depending on what is the usage: output or detection. The list of available functions may also differ.

18.1.1. Lua output

Lua can be used to write arbitrary output. See Lua Output for more information.

18.1.2. Lua detection

Lua script can be used as a filter condition in signatures. See Lua Scripting for Detection for more information.