CVE-2017-16290 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_sun, at 0x9d01980c, the value for the `sunrise` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x2d0`.This buffer is 100 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-2017-16290 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the Insteon Hub device running firmware version 1012. This flaw exists within the PubNub message handler specifically targeting the "cc" channel, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate communication protocols to execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices that have been classified under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The attack vector requires an authenticated HTTP request to be sent through the PubNub service, indicating that while the vulnerability is exploitable, it does require some level of prior access or privilege escalation to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_sun function at memory address 0x9d01980c where the value associated with the sunrise key is copied using the dangerous strcpy function without proper bounds checking. This particular implementation violates fundamental security principles by using a non-safe string copying mechanism that does not validate the length of the source data against the destination buffer capacity. The buffer allocated at $sp+0x2d0 is only 100 bytes in size, yet the system does not enforce any length restrictions on the incoming data, creating a predictable overflow condition that can be exploited by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and other critical program state information. This specific flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which involves the execution of malicious code through command and scripting interpreters, and more specifically with T1203 which targets the execution of malicious commands through legitimate system interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The stack-based nature of the overflow allows for precise memory corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, potentially enabling full system compromise. Given that the Insteon Hub serves as a central communication hub for home automation systems, successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to controlled lighting, security systems, and other connected devices within the network. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, further emphasizes the severity as it represents a direct path to arbitrary code execution. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain persistent access to the home automation network, monitor device communications, or manipulate connected devices to create unauthorized access points or disrupt normal operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer as the most effective solution, since the flaw exists at the software level within the device's firmware implementation. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential attack surface, ensuring that only authorized entities can send commands to the affected PubNub channels. Additionally, implementing input validation mechanisms at the application layer to enforce maximum length restrictions on all incoming data, particularly for keys like sunrise that are processed through unsafe string functions, would prevent exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in PubNub message traffic, particularly around the "cc" channel and sunrise key values. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the need for proper input validation and the avoidance of dangerous functions like strcpy in favor of safer alternatives such as strlcpy or strncpy with proper bounds checking. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential buffer overflow exploitation attempts within their network infrastructure.