CVE-2017-16309 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_exw, at 0x9d01b3d8, the value for the `d` 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-2017-16309 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handler component. This flaw specifically affects the "cc" channel functionality within firmware version 1012, creating a pathway for remote code execution through carefully crafted malicious payloads. The vulnerability resides in the command processing logic where unvalidated user input is directly copied into a fixed-size buffer without proper bounds checking, making it susceptible to exploitation by attackers who can manipulate the system's operational behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where the application uses the unsafe strcpy function to copy data from the `d` key parameter into a stack buffer located at $sp+0x334. This buffer has a fixed size of 100 bytes, yet the application fails to validate the length of incoming data before copying it, creating a predictable overflow condition. The overflow occurs at the specific memory address 0x9d01b3d8 within the sn_exw function, where the vulnerability is triggered by sending authenticated HTTP requests containing malicious payloads through the PubNub messaging service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it provides attackers with the capability to overwrite arbitrary data on the stack and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. This represents a significant risk to home automation systems that rely on the Insteon Hub for device control and monitoring, as successful exploitation could allow unauthorized individuals to gain control over connected devices, access sensitive data, or disrupt the entire home automation network. The requirement for authenticated HTTP requests does not mitigate the severity since the attacker can potentially obtain valid credentials through other means.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the PubNub message handler, replacing unsafe string functions like strcpy with safer alternatives such as strlcpy or strncpy that enforce buffer size limitations. Additionally, the firmware should be updated to include proper authentication and authorization checks that validate all incoming requests before processing them. Network segmentation and monitoring of PubNub traffic can help detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege, restricting access to the affected service to only authorized users and devices, while following industry standards such as CWE-121 for stack buffer overflow prevention and ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution prevention.