CVE-2017-16288 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 0x9d018f60, the value for the `dst` 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 CVE-2017-16288 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handler component. This vulnerability specifically targets the "cc" channel functionality of the device's firmware version 1012, creating a significant security risk for users of this smart home automation system. The flaw manifests when the device processes specially crafted commands transmitted through the PubNub messaging service, which serves as a cloud-based communication platform for IoT devices. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices within the device's firmware implementation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely through the cloud infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_time function at memory address 0x9d018f60 where the application copies data from the `dst` key parameter using the dangerous `strcpy` function. This primitive operation lacks bounds checking and directly copies user-supplied data into a fixed-size buffer located at stack offset $sp+0x2b0. The buffer allocation size of only 32 bytes creates an insufficient memory boundary for handling potentially longer input values, allowing attackers to overflow the stack buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. The use of `strcpy` instead of safer alternatives like `strncpy` or `snprintf` represents a fundamental coding error that violates secure programming practices and creates predictable exploitation patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides potential attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the Insteon Hub's execution environment. Since the vulnerability requires an authenticated HTTP request to trigger, attackers must first establish valid credentials or exploit other authentication bypass mechanisms to gain access to the device's management interface. However, once triggered, the buffer overflow could allow for privilege escalation, memory corruption, or complete system compromise depending on the specific memory locations overwritten and the device's execution context. The attack vector through the PubNub service creates a particularly concerning threat model as it enables remote exploitation without requiring physical access to the device or local network presence. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it enables command execution through the compromised device's messaging handler.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16288 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the root cause of the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms for all devices connected to the PubNub service, including monitoring for unusual command patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper memory management in embedded IoT systems, with recommendations to replace unsafe string functions with their safer counterparts. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious communication patterns between the Insteon Hub and the PubNub service. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for regular security assessments of IoT device firmware and the implementation of secure coding practices throughout the development lifecycle to prevent similar issues in future implementations.