CVE-2017-16255 in Hub 2245-222
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the PubNub message handler Insteon Hub 2245-222 - Firmware version 1012. Specially crafted commands sent through the PubNub service can cause a stack-based buffer overflow overwriting arbitrary data. An attacker can send an authenticated HTTP request at At 0x9d014e84 the value for the cmd1 key is copied using strcpy to the buffer at $sp+0x280. This buffer is 16 bytes large.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-16255 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the PubNub message handler of the Insteon Hub 2245-222 device firmware version 1012. This security weakness arises from improper input validation and memory management practices that allow malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the device processes commands received through the PubNub messaging service, creating a pathway for remote code execution and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs at memory address 0x9d014e84 where the system copies data from the cmd1 parameter using the insecure strcpy function. The target buffer located at $sp+0x280 has a fixed size of only 16 bytes, making it极易 vulnerable to overflow conditions when processing malicious input. This primitive copy operation lacks bounds checking mechanisms that would normally prevent data from exceeding the allocated buffer space, directly violating secure coding practices outlined in CWE-121. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is amplified by the fact that it requires only an authenticated HTTP request, meaning that an attacker with valid credentials could leverage this flaw to overwrite critical stack data and potentially redirect program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, presenting significant risks to home automation systems and IoT infrastructure. The Insteon Hub serves as a central controller for smart home devices, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain persistent access to residential networks. Successful exploitation could enable adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service, potentially allowing them to modify device configurations, access sensitive user data, or establish backdoor access points within the home network. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries might leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access through malicious command execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected device and employ strict authentication controls to prevent unauthorized HTTP request submissions. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in IoT devices where the attack surface is often expanded by the integration of third-party messaging services like PubNub. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on buffer overflow patterns consistent with this CVE, as the flaw represents a classic example of how insecure string handling can lead to complete system compromise.