CVE-2023-38622: Integer Overflow Vulnerabilities in GTKWave VZT facgeometry Parsing Functionality

Overview

The cybersecurity community has recently discovered a significant vulnerability within the VZT facgeometry parsing functionality component of GTKWave 3.3.115. This vulnerability presents as multiple integer overflow issues that, if exploited, can lead to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability can result in system compromise or data leakage. As a result, anyone utilizing GTKWave 3.3.115 is at risk and needs to be aware of these vulnerabilities to take appropriate mitigation actions. The vulnerability is significant due to the potential severity of the impact, with a CVSS severity score of 7.8.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2023-38622
Severity: High (CVSS: 7.8)
Attack Vector: File-based (via .vzt file)
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required (User must open a malicious .vzt file)
Impact: Arbitrary code execution leading to potential system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

GTKWave | 3.3.115

How the Exploit Works

The vulnerability resides in the VZT facgeometry parsing functionality of GTKWave. An attacker crafts a .vzt file designed to trigger multiple integer overflows when the file is opened by the victim. The integer overflows occur when allocating the `len` array. This overflow can lead to memory corruption, providing the attacker with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the victim’s system.

Conceptual Example Code

While a specific code example is not provided, a conceptual representation of the exploit is as follows:

# Create malicious .vzt file
malicious_file = open("exploit.vzt", "w")
# Write data to trigger integer overflow
malicious_file.write(create_overflow_data())
# Save and close the file
malicious_file.close()

In this conceptual code, the function `create_overflow_data()` would generate data specifically designed to cause the integer overflow when the `len` array is allocated. The resulting .vzt file, when opened by the victim using GTKWave 3.3.115, would trigger the vulnerability and allow arbitrary code execution.

Mitigation Actions

Users of the affected version of GTKWave are advised to apply the vendor patch as soon as it becomes available. In the interim, it is recommended to use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to mitigate the potential impact of this vulnerability. Special attention should be given to any .vzt files from unknown or untrusted sources.