CVE-2017-16278 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 s_net, at 0x9d01815c, the value for the `ip` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x2d0`.This buffer is 100 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The CVE-2017-16278 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handler component, specifically targeting the "cc" channel functionality. This vulnerability exists within firmware version 1012 of the Insteon Hub device, which is a smart home automation system designed for residential and commercial environments. The flaw manifests in the command processing logic where the system fails to properly validate input length before copying data into a fixed-size buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_net function at memory address 0x9d01815c where the system processes incoming data from the PubNub service. The buffer overflow specifically affects the `ip` key value handling, where the strcpy function is used to copy data directly into a stack buffer located at $sp+0x2d0. This buffer has a fixed size of 100 bytes, making it susceptible to overflow when input data exceeds this boundary. The use of strcpy without proper bounds checking creates a classic buffer overflow condition that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory, potentially including return addresses and other critical program state information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected Insteon Hub device. Since the vulnerability requires an authenticated HTTP request to trigger, attackers must first establish valid credentials or exploit another authentication bypass mechanism to gain access to the system. This authentication requirement does not mitigate the severity of the vulnerability, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain persistent access to the smart home network. The compromised device could then serve as a foothold for further network infiltration, potentially affecting other connected IoT devices within the home automation ecosystem.
From a security standards perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique, specifically falling under the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and improper memory management, which are fundamental security flaws that should be addressed through proper secure coding practices. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates, network segmentation, and monitoring for anomalous PubNub traffic patterns to protect against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded IoT systems, where buffer overflow conditions can have significant implications for home network security and privacy.