CVE-2023-0100 in BIRT
Summary
by MITRE • 03/15/2023
In Eclipse BIRT, starting from version 2.6.2, the default configuration allowed to retrieve a report from the same host using an absolute HTTP path for the report parameter (e.g. __report=http://xyz.com/report.rptdesign). If the host indicated in the __report parameter matched the HTTP Host header value, the report would be retrieved. However, the Host header can be tampered with on some configurations where no virtual hosts are put in place (e.g. in the default configuration of Apache Tomcat) or when the default host points to the BIRT server. This vulnerability was patched on Eclipse BIRT 4.13.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-0100 represents a critical server-side request forgery issue within the Eclipse BIRT reporting platform that emerged in versions 2.6.2 and later. This flaw stems from an insecure default configuration that permits external report retrieval through the HTTP Host header mechanism, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors to access unauthorized resources. The vulnerability specifically affects the parameter handling within BIRT's report execution framework where the __report parameter accepts absolute HTTP paths, allowing for potential remote code execution or information disclosure depending on the system configuration and access controls in place.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the trust relationship between the Host header and the report retrieval process. When a user submits a report request with an absolute URL in the __report parameter, the system validates whether the host specified in that URL matches the Host header value from the incoming HTTP request. This validation mechanism, while intended to prevent unauthorized access, becomes fundamentally flawed when the HTTP Host header can be manipulated by attackers. The vulnerability is particularly pronounced in environments where virtual hosting is not properly configured or when the default host configuration points directly to the BIRT server instance, creating a scenario where an attacker can forge the Host header to bypass normal access controls and retrieve reports from arbitrary locations.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-918, Server-Side Request Forgery, which classifies the issue as an insecure handling of external resource references that allows attackers to manipulate server-side requests through client-controlled input. The attack vector leverages the principle of least privilege violation where the system trusts the Host header without proper validation, and the impact can range from information disclosure to potential remote code execution depending on the underlying system architecture and the privileges associated with the BIRT server process. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as it allows attackers to manipulate application behavior through HTTP protocol handling and potentially access internal resources that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it could enable attackers to access sensitive reports, system information, or even leverage the compromised BIRT instance as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. Organizations running affected versions of Eclipse BIRT without proper network segmentation or additional access controls are particularly vulnerable to this attack. The patch implemented in Eclipse BIRT 4.13 addresses the core issue by strengthening the validation mechanism for report retrieval, ensuring that the system no longer relies solely on the Host header for determining report access permissions. Mitigation strategies should include immediate upgrade to patched versions, implementation of proper network access controls, and monitoring for suspicious report access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures such as input validation, secure configuration of HTTP servers, and regular security assessments of reporting platforms can help reduce the risk of exploitation in environments where upgrading is not immediately possible.