CVE-2023-38653 in GTKWave
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2024
Multiple integer overflow vulnerabilities exist in the VZT vzt_rd_block_vch_decode dict parsing functionality of GTKWave 3.3.115. A specially crafted .vzt file can lead to memory corruption. A victim would need to open a malicious file to trigger these vulnerabilities.This vulnerability concerns the integer overflow when num_time_ticks is zero.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-38653 represents a critical integer overflow issue within the GTKWave waveform viewer application version 3.3.115. This flaw specifically affects the VZT vzt_rd_block_vch_decode dictionary parsing functionality, which is responsible for processing .vzt files that contain waveform data. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the num_time_ticks parameter during the parsing process, creating conditions where integer overflow can occur when this parameter equals zero. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which categorizes integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and potentially arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of file parsing, making it susceptible to exploitation through malicious file delivery.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the num_time_ticks variable within the vzt_rd_block_vch_decode function. When this variable is set to zero, the subsequent arithmetic operations and memory allocation calculations fail to properly validate the input values, leading to an integer overflow condition. This overflow results in improper memory allocation where the application attempts to allocate memory based on invalid calculations derived from the zero value. The memory corruption occurs because the application's memory management routines do not properly handle the overflow scenario, potentially causing heap corruption or stack corruption depending on how the memory is subsequently accessed. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities through memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption to potentially enable remote code execution in the context of the application's operation. An attacker who can convince a victim to open a maliciously crafted .vzt file would be able to trigger the integer overflow condition and subsequently execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running GTKWave. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted waveform files, such as in collaborative engineering environments or when processing files from unknown sources. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of GTKWave's file processing pipeline, meaning that any user who opens a malicious .vzt file will be exposed to this risk. The exploitability factor is high due to the requirement being minimal - simply opening a malicious file is sufficient to trigger the vulnerability, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks. The integer overflow creates a chain reaction that can potentially overwrite critical memory structures, leading to application crashes or more severe exploitation outcomes. This vulnerability represents a significant security risk to any organization that relies on GTKWave for waveform analysis and debugging, particularly in environments where file integrity cannot be guaranteed.