CVE-2017-16298 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 0x9d01a264, the value for the `offcmd` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x334`.This buffer is 100 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16298 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling mechanism. This vulnerability specifically targets the "cc" channel functionality of the Insteon Hub device, which operates with firmware version 1012. The flaw exists in the command processing logic where the system fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within a networked device that controls home automation systems, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to gain control over critical infrastructure components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_schd function at memory address 0x9d01a264 where the system processes the `offcmd` key value from incoming PubNub messages. The flaw manifests when the `strcpy` function is used to copy data into a buffer located at `$sp+0x334` which has a fixed size of only 100 bytes. This direct string copy operation without length validation creates a classic buffer overflow condition where any input exceeding the 100-byte limit will overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the fact that attackers can trigger this condition through authenticated HTTP requests, meaning they must first establish valid credentials or exploit another vulnerability to gain access to the system before executing the buffer overflow payload.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the stack-based buffer overflow can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. This represents a significant security risk for home automation environments where the Insteon Hub serves as a central control point for lighting, security systems, and other connected devices. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could potentially gain full control over the hub, allowing them to manipulate connected devices, monitor system communications, or use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The vulnerability's presence in a device that handles sensitive home automation data makes it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to residential environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16298 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Organizations and individuals should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems and establish monitoring for unusual PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, and represents a technique commonly associated with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and persistence tactics. Security teams should also consider implementing input validation controls at network boundaries and establishing secure coding practices that prevent the use of dangerous functions like strcpy in favor of safer alternatives such as strlcpy or strncpy with proper bounds checking to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the system.