CVE-2017-16286 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_time, at 0x9d018ea0, the value for the `dststart` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x280`.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 described in CVE-2017-16286 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling system, specifically targeting the "cc" channel functionality. This flaw exists in firmware version 1012 and demonstrates a classic security weakness where unvalidated user input is directly copied into a fixed-size buffer without proper bounds checking. The vulnerability manifests through the PubNub messaging service, which serves as a communication channel between the Insteon Hub and external systems, making it particularly concerning for IoT device security. The issue stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to enforce size limitations on data received through the messaging interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_time function at memory address 0x9d018ea0, where the value associated with the dststart key is copied using the dangerous strcpy function. This function performs no bounds checking and directly copies data from the source to the destination buffer without verifying that the source data fits within the allocated buffer space. The buffer in question is allocated at $sp+0x280 with a size of only 16 bytes, creating an extremely limited space for data storage. When an attacker sends a payload longer than 16 bytes, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting stack metadata, return addresses, or other critical program variables. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for arbitrary code execution and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides attackers with a pathway for remote code execution and system control. Since the vulnerability requires an authenticated HTTP request to trigger, it suggests that attackers must first obtain valid credentials or exploit another vulnerability to gain access to the system. However, once triggered, the buffer overflow could enable attackers to overwrite critical stack memory, potentially allowing them to redirect program execution flow, inject malicious code, or escalate privileges within the device. The Insteon Hub, being a home automation device that controls lighting, security systems, and other critical infrastructure, makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could allow unauthorized access to physical security systems and home automation controls. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers could execute arbitrary commands through the compromised device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16286 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow issue through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate the Insteon Hub from critical network segments and enforce strict access controls through authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly avoiding dangerous functions like strcpy in favor of safer alternatives such as strncpy or strlcpy that provide bounds checking. Additionally, network monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in IoT device firmware. The vulnerability also underscores the need for proper input validation and sanitization in all network-facing services, as the flaw exists in the message handling layer that processes external communications.