CVE-2017-16292 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 g_schd, at 0x9d019c50, the value for the `grp` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x1b4`.This buffer is 8 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2023
The CVE-2017-16292 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling system, specifically within the "cc" channel functionality. This vulnerability exists in firmware version 1012 and demonstrates a classic programming error that has been classified under CWE-121 as stack-based buffer overflow. The flaw occurs in the cmd g_schd function at memory address 0x9d019c50 where the system processes incoming data from the PubNub service through authenticated HTTP requests. The vulnerability stems from the improper use of the unsafe strcpy function which does not perform bounds checking on the input data, allowing malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The affected buffer at offset $sp+0x1b4 is only 8 bytes in size, making it extremely susceptible to overflow attacks when processing data from the grp key parameter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with the potential to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The vulnerability requires an authenticated HTTP request to trigger, indicating that an attacker must first establish some level of access to the system, though this authentication requirement does not prevent exploitation once credentials are obtained. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts as a means to gain access, and T1068 which addresses exploitation of remote services. The stack-based nature of the overflow allows for precise memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables, potentially enabling privilege escalation or complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that have been consistently identified as a primary cause of software security issues across the industry. The use of strcpy without proper bounds checking represents a well-known anti-pattern that has been documented in numerous security advisories and vulnerability assessments. The specific memory layout where the overflow occurs at $sp+0x1b4 suggests that the system's stack frame has been improperly designed to accommodate the expected input size, creating a mismatch between the buffer allocation and the actual data processing requirements. This vulnerability also highlights the risks associated with embedded systems and IoT devices where memory constraints often lead to unsafe coding practices. The fact that this vulnerability affects a home automation system like the Insteon Hub demonstrates how security flaws in consumer IoT devices can create persistent attack vectors that remain undetected for extended periods, as these devices often lack regular security updates and monitoring capabilities. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while also ensuring that IoT device firmware is regularly updated to address known security issues.