CVE-2017-16273 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_ml, at 0x9d016fa8, 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 described in CVE-2017-16273 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the Insteon Hub device firmware version 1012. This flaw exists within the PubNub message handler specifically targeting the "cc" channel, creating a significant security risk for users of this smart home infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices within the device's communication processing layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely through the PubNub messaging service that the device utilizes for communication with its cloud infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd e_ml function at memory address 0x9d016fa8 where the system copies data from the `grp` key using the dangerous strcpy function without proper bounds checking. The target buffer located at $sp+0x1b4 has a fixed size of only 8 bytes, making it极易 susceptible to overflow when processing specially crafted input data. This specific implementation violates fundamental security principles and aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient space is allocated for string operations. The use of strcpy instead of safer alternatives like strncpy or strlcpy demonstrates a clear lack of input sanitization and memory safety practices that are standard in secure software development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected Insteon Hub devices. Since the attack requires only an authenticated HTTP request to be sent through the PubNub service, the attack surface is significantly broadened compared to local exploitation methods. This vulnerability can enable attackers to gain full control over the smart home hub, potentially allowing them to manipulate connected devices, access sensitive home automation data, or establish persistent backdoors within the home network. The attack vector through PubNub service also means that attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability without needing physical access to the device or direct network connectivity to the device itself.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution, T1071 for application layer protocol communication, and T1105 for remote service execution. The exploitation process requires minimal privileges since it leverages existing authenticated channels, making it particularly concerning for IoT security. Organizations and individuals using Insteon Hub devices should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to isolate the affected devices, and monitoring for unusual PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in IoT devices where remote exploitation capabilities can lead to widespread compromise of home automation systems and potentially larger network infrastructures.