CVE-2023-37573 in GTKWave
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2024
Multiple use-after-free vulnerabilities exist in the VCD get_vartoken realloc functionality of GTKWave 3.3.115. A specially crafted .vcd file can lead to arbitrary code execution. A victim would need to open a malicious file to trigger these vulnerabilities.This vulnerability concerns the use-after-free when triggered via the GUI's recoder (default) VCD parsing code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37573 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within GTKWave version 3.3.115 that specifically affects the VCD get_vartoken realloc functionality. This issue resides in the graphical waveform viewer's handling of Value Change Dump files, which are commonly used in digital design verification and simulation environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through a crafted malicious .vcd file that, when opened by a victim, triggers arbitrary code execution within the application's graphical user interface. The flaw manifests in the default recorder VCD parsing code path, making it accessible through normal application usage patterns.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the GTKWave application's VCD file processing subsystem. When parsing VCD files, the get_vartoken function performs reallocation operations on memory structures that may become invalid before subsequent access occurs. This creates a use-after-free condition where freed memory locations are accessed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the application's memory state. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use-after-free error, which occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior and potential exploitation. The flaw specifically affects the realloc functionality within the VCD parsing code path, where dynamic memory allocation and deallocation sequences create opportunities for memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with a pathway for arbitrary code execution. When a victim opens a maliciously crafted .vcd file through GTKWave's GUI interface, the vulnerable code path is triggered during the parsing process. This creates a remote code execution vector that could be leveraged by attackers to gain control over the victim's system, particularly in environments where design verification tools are frequently used. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in collaborative design environments where team members might inadvertently open malicious files shared through version control systems or design verification workflows. Attackers could exploit this through social engineering techniques, potentially compromising entire design verification infrastructures that rely on GTKWave for waveform analysis.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-37573 should focus on immediate remediation through version updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases of GTKWave. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for VCD files, particularly those received from external sources or untrusted environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1203 as Exploitation for Client Execution, emphasizing the importance of controlling file access and application execution. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of potentially vulnerable applications, especially in high-risk environments. Regular security assessments of design verification toolchains are recommended to identify similar memory management vulnerabilities, as use-after-free conditions are common in C/C++ applications and often indicate broader security issues within the codebase. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper memory management in security-sensitive applications and the necessity of thorough code review processes for applications handling external data inputs.