CVE-2023-39444 in GTKWave
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2024
Multiple out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities exist in the LXT2 parsing functionality of GTKWave 3.3.115. A specially-crafted .lxt2 file can lead to arbitrary code execution. A victim would need to open a malicious file to trigger these vulnerabilities.This vulnerability concerns the out-of-bounds write perfomed by the string copy loop.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2023-39444 represents a critical security flaw in GTKWave version 3.3.115 that affects the LXT2 file parsing component. This issue stems from improper bounds checking within the string copy loop mechanism used to process LXT2 waveform files. The vulnerability manifests as multiple out-of-bounds write conditions that can be exploited through maliciously crafted .lxt2 files. When a user opens such a file with GTKWave, the application's parsing logic fails to validate array boundaries during string operations, creating opportunities for memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a string copy loop that does not properly validate input boundaries before writing data to memory buffers. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-787 category of Out-of-Bounds Write, which is classified as a direct consequence of inadequate input validation and memory management practices. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of buffer overflow conditions and code execution, where attackers can manipulate the parsing process to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The specific nature of the attack vector requires user interaction through file opening, making it a classic example of a file-based exploit that leverages the application's legitimate file processing functionality.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users who may encounter malicious LXT2 files in legitimate workflow scenarios. The attack requires no specialized privileges or network access, as it only requires local file execution through the GTKWave application. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users may receive waveform files from untrusted sources or where automated systems process such files. The arbitrary code execution capability means that attackers can potentially gain full control over the victim's system, leading to data theft, system compromise, or further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential data integrity issues and denial of service conditions.
The exploitation of CVE-2023-39444 aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script interpreter execution and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation. Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense including application whitelisting, sandboxed execution environments, and regular software updates to mitigate this risk. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in GUI applications that process external data formats, particularly those used in hardware design and verification workflows. Organizations using GTKWave for waveform analysis should prioritize immediate patching and implement monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The issue also underscores the need for security testing of file parsing components, as these areas often represent high-value attack surfaces in applications that handle complex binary data formats.