Arbitrary code execution via unchecked decompression length
Published Jan 8, 2024 · Updated Nov 4, 2025
Heap buffer overflow in GTKWave 3.3.115 allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code through a crafted FST file. In fstReaderIterBlocks2, the VCDATA uncompress path fails to verify that destlen fits the remaining mu heap buffer before writing decompressed data. Exploitation requires a victim to open the malicious file, after which the overwrite can corrupt memory and execute code in the victim's GTKWave process.
Summary
What happened
Heap buffer overflow in GTKWave 3.3.115 allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code through a crafted FST file. In fstReaderIterBlocks2, the VCDATA uncompress path fails to verify that destlen fits the remaining mu heap buffer before writing decompressed data. Exploitation requires a victim to open the malicious file, after which the overwrite can corrupt memory and execute code in the victim's GTKWave process.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-35957
- Published
- Jan 8, 2024
- Updated
- Nov 4, 2025
- Vendor
- GTKWave
- Product
- GTKWave
- Classifications
- CWE-119, T1204.002, T1203
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jan 8, 2024CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Nov 4, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
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- Affected versionversion=3.3.115
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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Attacks
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Weakness, pattern, technique
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Technologies
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Your stack
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