Arbitrary code execution via unchecked LXT2 bit length
Published Jan 8, 2024 · Updated Nov 4, 2025
Stack-based buffer overflow in GTKWave 3.3.115 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a victim opens a crafted LXT2 file. In lxt2_rd_expand_integer_to_bits, a file-controlled len value drives a loop that writes past a fixed 33-byte static buffer without a bounds check. Exploitation requires a user to open the malicious waveform file and permits code execution in the GTKWave process context.
Summary
What happened
Stack-based buffer overflow in GTKWave 3.3.115 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a victim opens a crafted LXT2 file. In lxt2_rd_expand_integer_to_bits, a file-controlled len value drives a loop that writes past a fixed 33-byte static buffer without a bounds check. Exploitation requires a user to open the malicious waveform file and permits code execution in the GTKWave process context.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-38583
- Published
- Jan 8, 2024
- Updated
- Nov 4, 2025
- Vendor
- GTKWave
- Product
- GTKWave
- Classifications
- CWE-120, CWE-787, 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?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=3.3.115
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- Cisco Talos LXT2 proof of conceptproof of concept · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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