CVE-2023-37418 : Security Advisory and Response

Understanding CVE-2023-37418

Multiple out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities exist in the VCD parse_valuechange portdump functionality of GTKWave 3.3.115, which can lead to arbitrary code execution when a specially crafted .vcd file is opened.

What is CVE-2023-37418?

CVE-2023-37418 is a high-severity vulnerability found in GTKWave version 3.3.115 that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities in the VCD parse_valuechange portdump functionality.

The Impact of CVE-2023-37418

The impact of CVE-2023-37418 is high, with the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system by tricking them into opening a malicious .vcd file. This could lead to a compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-37418

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write and has a CVSSv3.1 base score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The attack vector is local, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact are all rated as high.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to out-of-bounds writes in the VCD parse_valuechange portdump functionality of GTKWave 3.3.115, which can be triggered by a specially crafted .vcd file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: GTKWave
Product: GTKWave
Version: 3.3.115

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to craft a malicious .vcd file and trick the victim into opening it, thereby triggering the out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate action is necessary to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-37418 and prevent exploitation by malicious actors.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GTKWave to a non-vulnerable version or apply patches provided by the vendor.
Avoid opening untrusted .vcd files from unknown or unverified sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by GTKWave and promptly install patches to ensure the security of your systems.