CVE-2017-16265 in Insteon
Summary
by MITRE • 01/12/2023
Multiple exploitable buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in the PubNub message handler for the "cc" channel of Insteon Hub running firmware version 1012. Specially crafted commands sent through the PubNub service can cause a stack-based buffer overflow overwriting arbitrary data. An attacker should send an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability. In cmd l_bt, at 0x9d016104, the value for the `grp` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x1b4`.This buffer is 8 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16265 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling mechanism. This vulnerability specifically targets the "cc" channel functionality of the Insteon Hub device, which operates with firmware version 1012. The flaw manifests in the command processing logic where unvalidated user input is directly copied into a statically allocated buffer without proper bounds checking. The technical implementation demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition where the `strcpy` function is used to transfer data from the `grp` key parameter into a buffer that is only 8 bytes in size. This primitive copying operation lacks any input validation or size constraints, creating an exploitable condition where an attacker can exceed the buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it provides potential for remote code execution and system compromise. The attack vector requires an authenticated HTTP request to be sent to the vulnerable device, which means an attacker must first establish valid credentials or exploit another authentication bypass mechanism. The specific memory location targeted for overwrite is at address 0x9d016104 within the cmd l_bt function, where the `grp` parameter value is copied to a stack buffer located at `$sp+0x1b4`. This buffer overflow can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables that control program execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader weakness of insufficient boundary checking in memory management operations. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the device, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to the home automation network.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental security flaw in input validation and memory management practices within the Insteon Hub firmware implementation. The use of dangerous functions like `strcpy` without proper bounds checking represents a common pattern that has been extensively documented in security literature and is frequently referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to memory corruption vulnerabilities. The specific nature of this flaw makes it particularly attractive to attackers as it provides a direct path to code execution through the manipulation of stack memory. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal complexity once authentication is achieved, making it a prime target for automated attack tools. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and regular firmware updates to mitigate this risk. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation, secure coding practices, and defensive programming techniques that prevent such memory corruption vulnerabilities from being introduced into embedded systems and IoT devices. The security implications extend beyond individual device compromise to potential network-wide infiltration of home automation systems that rely on similar communication protocols and message handling mechanisms.