CVE-2017-16283 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_name, at 0x9d0188a8, the value for the `name` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x2b0`.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-2017-16283 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling system, specifically within the "cc" channel functionality. This flaw exists in firmware version 1012 and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented under CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through specially crafted commands transmitted via the PubNub messaging service, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors targeting home automation networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_name function at memory address 0x9d0188a8 where the system employs the insecure strcpy function to copy data from the `name` key parameter into a buffer located at stack pointer offset +0x2b0. This buffer allocation is only 32 bytes in size, making it极易 susceptible to overflow when input data exceeds this boundary. The use of strcpy without proper bounds checking creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can overwrite adjacent stack memory, potentially corrupting program execution flow, overwriting return addresses, or manipulating critical program variables. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1070.004 for indicator removal, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access and hide their activities within the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized control over the Insteon Hub device, which serves as a central controller for home automation systems. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability suggests that attackers may need to first obtain valid credentials or exploit additional weaknesses to gain access to the system. However, once exploited, the consequences could be severe as attackers could manipulate smart home devices, potentially compromising physical security systems, monitoring equipment, or other connected IoT devices within the network. The vulnerability affects not just the individual device but the entire ecosystem of connected devices that rely on the Insteon Hub for communication and control, making it particularly dangerous in residential and commercial environments where such automation systems are prevalent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow condition, proper input validation and bounds checking implementation in all string handling operations, and network segmentation to limit access to the Insteon Hub device. Security professionals should implement monitoring for unusual PubNub traffic patterns and authenticated HTTP requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. The use of defensive programming practices such as strncpy instead of strcpy, stack canaries, and address space layout randomization would provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct thorough penetration testing to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions within their IoT infrastructure and establish proper access controls to minimize the attack surface. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the potential consequences of insufficient input validation in network-connected devices.