CVE-2017-16274 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_u, at 0x9d017364, 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-2017-16274 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the PubNub message handling component of Insteon Hub firmware version 1012. This flaw specifically affects the "cc" channel processing functionality and demonstrates a classic programming error that has been classified under CWE-121 as "Stack-based Buffer Overflow". The vulnerability exists in the command execution handler where the system fails to properly validate input length before copying data to 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_u function at memory address 0x9d017364 where the value associated with the `grp` key is copied using the dangerous strcpy function without any bounds checking. The target buffer allocated at stack offset $sp+0x1b4 is only 8 bytes in size, making it extremely susceptible to overflow conditions when processing longer input values. This unbounded string copy operation directly violates secure coding practices and creates a predictable exploitation vector that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses and local variables.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution capabilities when properly exploited. An attacker must first establish an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerable code path, which suggests the vulnerability requires some form of legitimate credentials or access to the PubNub service. However, once triggered, the buffer overflow can potentially be used to overwrite the return address of the function, allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow to malicious code. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and represents a critical compromise of the device's integrity and confidentiality.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management practices within the embedded system. The use of strcpy instead of safer alternatives like strncpy or strlcpy creates an inherent risk that has been documented in numerous security advisories and represents a common pattern seen in embedded device vulnerabilities. Organizations should consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack regions to mitigate the impact of such buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper firmware security reviews and adherence to secure coding standards when developing embedded IoT solutions.