CVE-2017-16252 in Insteon
Summary
by MITRE
Specially crafted commands sent through the PubNub service in Insteon Hub 2245-222 with firmware version 1012 can cause a stack-based buffer overflow overwriting arbitrary data. An attacker should send an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.At 0x9d014cc0 the value for the cmd key is copied using strcpy to the buffer at $sp+0x11c. This buffer is 20 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16252 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub 2245-222 device firmware version 1012. This security weakness resides in the PubNub service implementation where the device processes specially crafted commands sent through the PubNub messaging platform. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling mechanisms that fail to enforce bounds checking on user-supplied data. The specific technical flaw manifests when the system processes HTTP requests containing a cmd key parameter, which is then copied using the dangerous strcpy function without adequate size verification. This particular implementation follows CWE-121, which catalogs stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector requires an authenticated HTTP request, indicating that the vulnerability is not remotely exploitable without proper credentials, yet this still represents a significant security risk given that the device's administrative interface is accessible to authorized users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as the buffer overflow occurs at memory address 0x9d014cc0 where the cmd key value is copied to a 20-byte buffer located at stack pointer offset 0x11c. This memory layout creates a predictable overwrite scenario that could potentially allow an attacker to manipulate program execution flow, inject malicious code, or cause system instability. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise, unauthorized access to connected devices, or denial of service conditions affecting the entire home automation ecosystem. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this represents a privilege escalation opportunity through command injection techniques, as the authenticated attacker can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code within the device's operational context. The vulnerability's presence in a home automation hub particularly amplifies its risk profile since such devices often control critical infrastructure including lighting, security systems, and environmental controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16252 should prioritize firmware updates from the vendor, as this represents a known issue that requires core system modifications to address the unsafe string handling implementation. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the attack surface by restricting access to the device's administrative interfaces to trusted networks only. Implementing proper input validation mechanisms that enforce length limits on the cmd key parameter would prevent the overflow condition from occurring, while also aligning with secure coding practices recommended by organizations such as the Open Web Application Security Project. Regular security audits of embedded systems should include comprehensive analysis of string handling functions and memory management patterns to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual command patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts before they succeed. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in IoT devices where memory corruption issues can have far-reaching consequences for user safety and system integrity, particularly in environments where automation systems control physical security and environmental controls.