CVE-2017-16280 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 0x9d0181ec, the value for the `gate` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x290`.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-2017-16280 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handler component. This flaw specifically affects firmware version 1012 and operates within the "cc" channel functionality of the messaging system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices that allow attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted malicious payloads. The affected system processes messages through the PubNub service, which serves as a communication channel between the hub and external services, making it a prime target for remote exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_net function at memory address 0x9d0181ec where the system copies data using the dangerous strcpy function without proper bounds checking. The buffer allocated at stack pointer offset $sp+0x290 has a fixed size of 32 bytes, creating a clear boundary that can be exceeded when processing the `gate` key value from incoming messages. This unsafe copying operation directly enables attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack buffer overflow, which aligns with CWE-121 and CWE-125 categories that address improper restriction of operations within a limited memory buffer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with potential paths to full system compromise. Since the exploit requires an authenticated HTTP request, attackers must first establish valid credentials or find alternative authentication bypass mechanisms, but once achieved, the stack overflow can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the device. The Insteon Hub serves as a central communication point for home automation systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to gain control over connected smart home devices and potentially escalate privileges to access other networked systems. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16280 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the root cause of the buffer overflow. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the Insteon Hub to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous PubNub message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Input validation measures should be strengthened to prevent unsafe string operations, and developers should replace strcpy with safer alternatives like strncpy or strlcpy that provide bounds checking. Additionally, implementing stack canaries and address space layout randomization could provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent successful exploitation. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their smart home infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other IoT devices and ensure proper network hygiene practices are maintained.