CVE-2017-16284 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 0x9d018958, the value for the `city` 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-2017-16284 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the PubNub message handling component of Insteon Hub firmware version 1012. This issue specifically targets the "cc" channel functionality and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability manifests through the insecure use of the strcpy function, which lacks any input validation or length checking mechanisms that would prevent excessive data from being copied into fixed-size buffers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the city key parameter within the cmd s_name function at memory address 0x9d018958. The buffer allocated at stack offset $sp+0x290 has a fixed size of 32 bytes, making it susceptible to overflow when longer input data is provided through the PubNub service. This particular implementation violates fundamental secure coding practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the overflow can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Insteon Hub's message handling process. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can overwrite return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack data structures, potentially enabling privilege escalation or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates a potential pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to the Insteon Hub's network-connected functionality. Given that the vulnerability requires an authenticated HTTP request to trigger, it suggests that attackers must first establish some level of legitimate access or credentials to the system, though this still represents a significant security weakness in the device's authentication and input validation mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning for home automation environments where Insteon Hubs serve as central control points for lighting, security systems, and other connected devices, making this vulnerability a potential gateway for broader network infiltration. Organizations implementing these devices should consider the implications of this vulnerability within the context of their overall security posture, as it could enable attackers to manipulate the hub's operational behavior and potentially compromise the integrity of connected home automation systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow condition, alongside network segmentation to limit access to the affected service. The use of input validation mechanisms such as strlcpy or similar bounded string copying functions would prevent the overflow condition from occurring, while proper access controls and authentication mechanisms should be implemented to minimize the attack surface. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network-connected devices within the home automation ecosystem.