CVE-2023-38652

Memory corruption via undersized VZT dictionary allocation

Published Jan 8, 2024 · Updated Nov 4, 2025

Integer overflow in GTKWave's VZT dictionary decoder in version 3.3.115 allows context-dependent attackers to corrupt memory via a crafted file. vzt_rd_block_vch_decode multiplies attacker-controlled num_sections and num_dict_entries values when allocating val_dict, so overflow creates an undersized heap buffer that the decoder writes past. Exploitation requires an RLE-encoded VZT block with reversed time bounds and a victim to open the file; the demonstrated consequence is an out-of-bounds heap write, while code execution depends on threading and heap behavior.

CVSS severity7.0
High
EPSS probability0.36%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Integer overflow in GTKWave's VZT dictionary decoder in version 3.3.115 allows context-dependent attackers to corrupt memory via a crafted file. vzt_rd_block_vch_decode multiplies attacker-controlled num_sections and num_dict_entries values when allocating val_dict, so overflow creates an undersized heap buffer that the decoder writes past. Exploitation requires an RLE-encoded VZT block with reversed time bounds and a victim to open the file; the demonstrated consequence is an out-of-bounds heap write, while code execution depends on threading and heap behavior.

The record

CVE
CVE-2023-38652
Published
Jan 8, 2024
Updated
Nov 4, 2025
Vendor
GTKWave
Product
GTKWave
Classifications
CWE-190, T1204.002
Attack vector
local
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Jan 8, 2024CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. 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.

  1. Affected versionversion=3.3.115

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

GTKWave · GTKWaveversion=3.3.115

Published CVSS scores

7.0Cisco TalosCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

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No observations available

Sep 9, 2026Sep 15, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 15, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectorlocal
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-190Integer Overflow or Wraparound
T1204.002Malicious File

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

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Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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