Code execution via unchecked chain table index
Published Jan 8, 2024 · Updated Nov 4, 2025
Heap-based buffer overflows in GTKWave 3.3.115 FST chain_table parsing allow attackers to execute arbitrary code through a crafted file. In fstReaderIterBlocks2, attacker-controlled allocation and chain_mem values shift idx beyond chain_table, and the loop writes NULLs and varint-derived values outside the heap buffer. Execution requires a victim to open the malicious FST file, after which code runs with that user's privileges.
Summary
What happened
Heap-based buffer overflows in GTKWave 3.3.115 FST chain_table parsing allow attackers to execute arbitrary code through a crafted file. In fstReaderIterBlocks2, attacker-controlled allocation and chain_mem values shift idx beyond chain_table, and the loop writes NULLs and varint-derived values outside the heap buffer. Execution requires a victim to open the malicious FST file, after which code runs with that user's privileges.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-35969
- Published
- Jan 8, 2024
- Updated
- Nov 4, 2025
- Vendor
- GTKWave
- Product
- GTKWave
- Classifications
- CWE-119, T1204.002
- 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
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What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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Attacks
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Technologies
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Your stack
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