CVE-2017-14455 in Hub 2245-222
Summary
by MITRE
On Insteon Hub 2245-222 devices with firmware version 1012, specially crafted replies received from the PubNub service can cause buffer overflows on a global section overwriting arbitrary data. An attacker should impersonate PubNub and answer an HTTPS GET request to trigger this vulnerability. A strcpy overflows the buffer insteon_pubnub.channel_ak, which has a size of 16 bytes. An attacker can send an arbitrarily long "ak" parameter in order to exploit this vulnerability.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2023
The CVE-2017-14455 vulnerability targets Insteon Hub 2245-222 devices running firmware version 1012, presenting a critical buffer overflow flaw that stems from improper input validation within the device's communication handling mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the global buffer insteon_pubnub.channel_ak which is allocated with only 16 bytes of memory, making it susceptible to overflow conditions when processing data from external sources. The flaw exists in the device's interaction with the PubNub service, which serves as a messaging platform for IoT device communications. When the device receives specially crafted replies from PubNub, it processes the "ak" parameter without adequate bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where the strcpy function is used to copy data into a fixed-size buffer without proper length validation. This function does not perform bounds checking and will continue copying data until it encounters a null terminator, regardless of the buffer's allocated size. The attacker's ability to impersonate the PubNub service and craft malicious responses allows them to send an arbitrarily long "ak" parameter that exceeds the 16-byte buffer limit. This creates a scenario where the overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical data structures or executable code, leading to unpredictable behavior or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through a simple HTTPS GET request, making exploitation relatively straightforward and requiring minimal network access privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it represents a serious security weakness in IoT device firmware that could enable attackers to gain unauthorized control over smart home systems. The buffer overflow could potentially allow remote code execution, enabling attackers to modify device behavior, access sensitive data, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. Given that Insteon hubs serve as central control points for home automation systems, successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to all connected smart devices, potentially compromising entire home networks. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and bounds checking in embedded systems, particularly those handling external communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14455 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term secure development practices. Device manufacturers should implement firmware updates that address the buffer overflow by either increasing the buffer size beyond the maximum expected input or by using safer string handling functions such as strncpy instead of strcpy. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized communication with the PubNub service, as well as implementing secure communication protocols that validate the authenticity of external services. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a clear example of how insecure coding practices in IoT devices can create persistent security risks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210, which involves exploiting weaknesses in remote services, emphasizing the need for proper input validation and secure coding practices in all network-facing applications. Additionally, this vulnerability underscores the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies in IoT deployments, including network monitoring, regular security assessments, and maintaining up-to-date firmware to protect against known vulnerabilities.