CVE-2017-16271 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 e_l, at 0x9d016c94, the value for the `as_c` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x2b0`.This buffer is 32 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16271 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling mechanism. This issue specifically targets the "cc" channel functionality of the Insteon Hub device, which operates with firmware version 1012. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices within the device's communication protocol implementation. The affected system processes messages received through the PubNub service, which serves as a real-time communication platform for IoT devices. When the device receives specially crafted commands via this messaging service, it fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd e_l function at memory address 0x9d016c94, where the system processes the `as_c` key value from incoming JSON payloads. The flaw manifests when the application uses the unsafe `strcpy` function to copy data into a buffer located at `$sp+0x2b0` on the stack. This buffer has a fixed size of 32 bytes, making it susceptible to overflow when the source data exceeds this limit. The `strcpy` function does not perform bounds checking, allowing an attacker to write beyond the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, stack canaries, or other critical program state information. This particular implementation violates the principle of secure coding practices and directly corresponds to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow through controlled memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides potential for arbitrary code execution and complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow can gain unauthorized access to the Insteon Hub's operational environment, potentially allowing them to modify device configurations, access sensitive network information, or establish persistent backdoors within the home automation network. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerability suggests that the attacker needs some form of valid credentials or access to the network to send malicious payloads, but this does not mitigate the severity of the underlying flaw. The vulnerability affects IoT devices that rely on PubNub services for real-time communication, making it particularly concerning in home automation and industrial control systems where such devices may be exposed to untrusted networks. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071.004 for application layer protocol, as it enables exploitation through legitimate communication channels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor, which would address the root cause by implementing proper bounds checking and using safer string handling functions such as `strncpy` or `snprintf` instead of `strcpy`. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the Insteon Hub to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The device should be configured with strong authentication mechanisms and regular credential rotation policies to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, network administrators should implement intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious buffer overflow patterns in communication traffic. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their IoT infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other connected devices that may be using similar communication protocols and vulnerable coding practices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the potential consequences of inadequate input validation in network-connected devices.