CVE-2023-39316 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of the multiple integer overflow vulnerabilities in GTKWave 3.3.115 that could lead to arbitrary code execution and the necessary mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2023-39316

This section will cover the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-39316?

CVE-2023-39316 refers to multiple integer overflow vulnerabilities in the LXT2 num_dict_entries functionality of GTKWave 3.3.115. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by a specially crafted .lxt2 file to execute arbitrary code. The issue arises due to an integer overflow when allocating the

string_pointers

array.

The Impact of CVE-2023-39316

The impact of these vulnerabilities is significant, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (High). The vulnerabilities can be triggered by a victim opening a malicious file, leading to potential arbitrary code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-39316

In this section, we will delve deeper into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The integer overflow vulnerabilities in GTKWave 3.3.115 allow attackers to manipulate .lxt2 files to trigger arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

GTKWave version 3.3.115 is affected by these vulnerabilities.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by crafting a malicious .lxt2 file to trigger the integer overflow during the allocation of

string_pointers

array.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-39316.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update GTKWave to a non-vulnerable version. Avoid opening untrusted or suspicious .lxt2 files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Developers should implement secure coding practices to prevent integer overflow vulnerabilities in their software.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for GTKWave and apply patches promptly to prevent exploitation.