CVE-2017-16300 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 sn_ex, at 0x9d01ac74, the value for the `id` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x290`.This buffer is 32 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16300 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling system, specifically targeting the "cc" channel functionality. This flaw exists within the firmware version 1012 of the Insteon Hub device, creating a significant security risk for users who rely on this smart home automation platform. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote exploitation through the PubNub messaging service, which is commonly used for real-time communication between IoT devices and cloud services. The attack vector requires an authenticated HTTP request, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials or find a way to bypass authentication mechanisms before exploiting this vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the cmd sn_ex function at memory address 0x9d01ac74 where the system processes the `id` key value from incoming PubNub messages. The vulnerability stems from the insecure use of the `strcpy` function, which does not perform bounds checking on the source data before copying it to a destination buffer. The buffer allocated at `$sp+0x290` has a fixed size of only 32 bytes, making it extremely susceptible to overflow when processing longer input data. This classic buffer overflow vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The use of `strcpy` instead of safer alternatives like `strncpy` or `snprintf` demonstrates a fundamental security flaw in the code implementation that violates secure coding practices and creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as the buffer overflow could potentially allow attackers to overwrite critical program execution data such as return addresses, function pointers, or other control flow information. This type of memory corruption opens pathways for privilege escalation attacks, where an attacker could gain elevated system privileges or even achieve complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core messaging infrastructure of the Insteon Hub, which could disrupt smart home automation services and potentially provide attackers with persistent access to the device. Given that the Insteon Hub serves as a central control point for home automation systems, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate connected devices, access sensitive home network information, or create backdoors for future exploitation. The attack requires authentication, but once achieved, the buffer overflow could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to all connected smart home devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16300 should focus on both immediate and long-term security measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating the Insteon Hub firmware to a version that addresses this specific buffer overflow vulnerability, as this directly patches the insecure `strcpy` usage and implements proper bounds checking. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the Insteon Hub to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify buffer overflow patterns in network traffic, and organizations should review their IoT security policies to ensure proper authentication mechanisms are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following the principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework for IoT security, particularly in the context of command and control communications where buffer overflows can lead to persistent threats. Regular security audits of IoT device firmware and implementation of automated patch management systems are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other smart home and industrial IoT environments.