CVE-2017-16282 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 0x9d01827c, the value for the `dhcp` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x270`.This buffer is 16 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-2017-16282 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handler component. This flaw exists within the firmware version 1012 of the Insteon Hub device, which serves as a smart home automation gateway connecting various IoT devices through the PubNub messaging service. The vulnerability specifically targets the "cc" channel handling mechanism, making it particularly dangerous as it operates through the public messaging infrastructure that many IoT devices rely upon for communication and control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure use of the `strcpy` function in the command processing routine located at address 0x9d01827c within the cmd s_net function. The system allocates a 16-byte buffer at stack offset $sp+0x270 to store the value associated with the `dhcp` key from incoming PubNub messages. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing a DHCP value longer than 16 bytes, the `strcpy` operation proceeds without bounds checking, causing data to overflow into adjacent stack memory locations. This classic buffer overflow scenario creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution and system compromise, as the overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for complete system compromise. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerability suggests that attackers must first establish some form of legitimate access to the PubNub service or gain knowledge of valid credentials to communicate with the Insteon Hub. However, once triggered, the buffer overflow could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, or use as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the same network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects smart home ecosystems where the Insteon Hub acts as a central control point for lighting, security, and environmental systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor, which would address the buffer overflow through proper bounds checking and memory management practices. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the Insteon Hub to untrusted networks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and represents a typical attack vector that would be catalogued under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script execution. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and consider disabling unnecessary PubNub communication channels when not actively required for device operation.