CVE-2017-16294 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_schd, at 0x9d01a144, the value for the `on` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x290`.This buffer is 32 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-16294 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling system. This issue specifically targets the "cc" channel functionality of the device's firmware version 1012, creating a pathway for remote exploitation that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over the device. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices within the firmware's message processing pipeline, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of Insteon smart home devices in residential and commercial environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_schd function at memory address 0x9d01a144 where the system processes the `on` key value from incoming PubNub messages. The flaw manifests when the application uses the unsafe `strcpy` function to copy data into a buffer located at `$sp+0x290` which has a fixed size of only 32 bytes. This buffer overflow condition arises because the application fails to validate the length of incoming data before copying it, allowing malicious actors to exceed the buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack buffer overflow with a buffer size of 32 bytes, which is insufficient to accommodate potentially malicious input payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially gain full control over the Insteon Hub device, enabling them to manipulate smart home automation systems, access sensitive user data, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This threat is particularly concerning given that many smart home devices lack robust security measures and are often deployed in environments where physical security is minimal. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerability suggests that attackers may need to obtain valid credentials or exploit other authentication bypass mechanisms, but the presence of the buffer overflow itself provides a powerful exploitation vector.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow issue through proper input validation and safe string handling practices. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate smart home devices from critical systems and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual PubNub traffic patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. Additionally, security practitioners should consider implementing network access controls to restrict communication with PubNub services and establish secure coding practices that prohibit the use of unsafe functions like `strcpy` in favor of safer alternatives such as `strncpy` or `snprintf` to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future implementations.