CVE-2017-16287 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 0x9d018f00, the value for the `dstend` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x270`.This buffer is 16 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16287 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handler component. This flaw specifically affects the "cc" channel functionality within firmware version 1012, creating a pathway for remote exploitation that could potentially compromise the entire home automation system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices within the device's communication interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through the PubNub messaging service which is commonly used for IoT device communication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_time function at memory address 0x9d018f00 where the system processes the `dstend` key value from incoming PubNub messages. The flaw manifests when the application uses the unsafe `strcpy` function to copy data into a buffer located at `$sp+0x270` which has a fixed size of only 16 bytes. This buffer overflow condition arises because the system does not perform adequate bounds checking before copying the input data, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The use of `strcpy` without proper size validation directly violates secure coding practices and creates a classic buffer overflow scenario that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides potential attackers with the ability to gain unauthorized control over the Insteon Hub device. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could manipulate the device's memory layout to redirect execution flow, potentially leading to complete system compromise or privilege escalation. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerability suggests that while the attack vector is somewhat constrained, it still represents a significant security risk since legitimate users or compromised accounts could be leveraged to deliver malicious payloads. This vulnerability particularly affects home automation ecosystems where device integrity is paramount for security and privacy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16287 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the underlying buffer overflow issue. Organizations and individuals should implement network segmentation to isolate the Insteon Hub from critical network segments and employ monitoring solutions to detect unusual PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables arbitrary code execution through command injection. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious HTTP requests containing overly long strings in the `dstend` field, and organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their IoT infrastructure to identify similar vulnerable components that might be susceptible to similar buffer overflow attacks.