CVE-2017-16302 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 0x9d01ad78, the value for the `cmd1` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x2d0`.This buffer is 100 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16302 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub device firmware version 1012. This vulnerability specifically targets the PubNub message handler component responsible for processing commands on the "cc" channel, creating a dangerous attack surface that could enable remote code execution or system compromise. The flaw resides in the software's handling of authenticated HTTP requests that pass through the PubNub messaging service, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by attackers who have access to the legitimate communication channel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor memory management practices where the `strcpy` function is used without proper bounds checking to copy data from the `cmd1` key parameter into a buffer located at stack offset `$sp+0x2d0`. This buffer has a fixed size of 100 bytes, yet the application fails to validate input length before copying, creating a classic stack overflow condition. The vulnerability occurs at memory address 0x9d01ad78 within the `sn_ex` command handler function, where the insecure string copy operation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations with malicious data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to home automation systems that rely on Insteon Hub devices for networked control of lighting, security, and other connected appliances. The requirement for authenticated HTTP requests means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials or exploit other authentication bypass mechanisms to reach this vulnerable code path. However, once triggered, the buffer overflow could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service, leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical home automation functions.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework and represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous software flaws in systems programming. This weakness is particularly concerning when analyzed through the MITRE ATT&CK framework, as it maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access to home networks. The attack vector through PubNub messaging services also demonstrates how modern IoT ecosystems can introduce additional attack surfaces beyond traditional network boundaries.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Insteon Hub device and its PubNub communication channels, while also monitoring for unusual authentication patterns or command sequences that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security professionals should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious HTTP request patterns targeting known vulnerable IoT device components, particularly those utilizing messaging services like PubNub for device communication.