CVE-2017-14443 in Insteon
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable information leak vulnerability exists in Insteon Hub running firmware version 1012. The HTTP server implementation incorrectly checks the number of GET parameters supplied, leading to an arbitrarily controlled information leak on the whole device memory. An attacker can send an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-14443 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Insteon Hub device firmware version 1012, specifically within its HTTP server implementation. This issue falls under the category of improper input validation and memory handling, which can be classified as CWE-200 - Information Exposure. The vulnerability stems from the device's failure to properly validate the number of GET parameters in HTTP requests, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the parameter count to access arbitrary memory regions. The flaw exists in the HTTP server component that processes incoming web requests, making it accessible through standard network protocols. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for complete memory dumping, exposing sensitive data that may include configuration information, authentication credentials, or other proprietary device data. The vulnerability requires only an authenticated HTTP request to be exploited, meaning that an attacker with valid credentials can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the device's memory contents. The attack vector is straightforward and can be executed through standard web browser tools or custom scripts that manipulate HTTP GET parameters to trigger the memory leak.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of buffer over-read or memory corruption in web server implementations. When the HTTP server processes GET requests, it fails to properly validate parameter counts, allowing an attacker to craft requests that cause the server to read beyond intended memory boundaries. This flaw is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as the vulnerability enables unauthorized access to device memory which may contain sensitive files or data structures. The memory leak occurs because the server implementation does not perform proper bounds checking on parameter counts, leading to information disclosure through memory dumping. The authentication requirement for exploitation indicates that this vulnerability is not publicly exploitable but rather requires an attacker to first gain valid credentials through other means such as credential harvesting or social engineering. The device's firmware version 1012 specifically contains this flaw, suggesting that it was introduced in a particular code revision and may have been addressed in subsequent updates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the entire security posture of the Insteon Hub device. The arbitrary memory access capability means that an attacker could potentially extract sensitive information such as user credentials, device configuration parameters, network settings, or even cryptographic keys used for device authentication. This information leak could facilitate further attacks including privilege escalation, device takeover, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects IoT devices that rely on web-based management interfaces, highlighting the security challenges inherent in connected home automation systems. Organizations using Insteon Hub devices are particularly at risk as these devices often control critical home automation functions and may be integrated with other security systems. The memory dump could reveal information that allows attackers to understand the device's internal state, communication protocols, and security mechanisms, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in embedded web servers and the potential consequences of inadequate security testing in IoT device development.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14443 should focus on firmware updates and proper input validation implementation. Device manufacturers should immediately release patched firmware versions that correct the HTTP parameter validation logic and implement proper bounds checking mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of this vulnerability by restricting access to authenticated users only and implementing additional authentication layers. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of embedded web server implementations should be conducted to identify similar validation flaws. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices in IoT device development, particularly regarding input validation and memory management. Organizations should implement comprehensive device lifecycle management policies that include regular firmware updates, vulnerability assessments, and security monitoring. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous HTTP traffic patterns associated with memory leak exploitation attempts. The incident highlights the critical need for proper security testing during the development phase of IoT devices and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for all connected devices within enterprise and home networks.