CVE-2017-16301 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 0x9d01ad14, the value for the `flg` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x2b0`.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-2017-16301 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, which serves as a central hub for home automation systems connecting various smart devices. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling mechanisms within the device's communication protocols, creating a pathway for remote code execution and system compromise. The affected component processes messages through the PubNub service, which is commonly used for real-time messaging in IoT applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for connected home environments where security is paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd sn_ex function at memory address 0x9d01ad14, where the system employs the dangerous strcpy function to copy data from the `flg` key parameter into a buffer located at stack offset $sp+0x2b0. This buffer allocation is only 32 bytes in size, creating an immediate overflow condition when the incoming data exceeds this limit. The use of strcpy without bounds checking violates fundamental security principles and creates a classic stack buffer overflow scenario that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data. This particular implementation follows CWE-121 CWE-125 and CWE-787 classifications, representing stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it enables full system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. An attacker with authenticated access to the HTTP interface can craft malicious payloads that exploit this buffer overflow to overwrite the program's execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in home automation environments where the Insteon Hub controls critical security systems, lighting, heating, and other connected devices. Attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to the entire home automation ecosystem, manipulate device states, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071.004 for application layer protocol, representing both execution and command and control aspects of the attack chain.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16301 require immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow conditions in the PubNub message handler. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate the Insteon Hub from critical network segments and enforce strict access controls through authentication mechanisms. The use of intrusion detection systems should be enhanced to monitor for unusual PubNub traffic patterns and malformed HTTP requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network access controls through firewalls and access control lists can prevent unauthorized access to the HTTP interface. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability scanning of IoT devices within the network to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other firmware components. The remediation process should also involve validating all input parameters through bounds checking and implementing safe string handling functions such as strlcpy or strncpy instead of strcpy to prevent similar issues in future implementations.