CVE-2017-16310 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_ch, at 0x9d01b7b0, the value for the `ch` 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 • 01/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16310 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling mechanism. This issue specifically targets the "cc" channel functionality of the device's firmware version 1012, creating a pathway for remote exploitation that could compromise the entire home automation system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices that have been classified under CWE-121 as stack-based buffer overflow conditions, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The affected component operates within the cmd s_ch function at memory address 0x9d01b7b0, where the value associated with the 'ch' key is directly copied using the dangerous strcpy function without adequate size verification. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented in multiple security frameworks and represents a fundamental failure in secure coding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected Insteon Hub device. The buffer in question is allocated at $sp+0x334 with a fixed size of 100 bytes, meaning any input exceeding this limit will overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This overflow can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and gain unauthorized access to the device's operational environment. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerability does not significantly reduce the risk level, as the authentication mechanism itself may be weak or easily compromised. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install malicious software, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the same network infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as successful exploitation would likely require both legitimate authentication credentials and the ability to execute commands on the compromised device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16310 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating the Insteon Hub firmware to a version that properly validates input lengths and replaces unsafe string operations with secure alternatives such as strlcpy or strncpy functions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate IoT devices from critical network segments, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for unusual PubNub traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when handling external data sources such as messaging services. Security teams should also consider implementing network access controls that restrict communication with PubNub services to only authorized endpoints and establish robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The remediation process should include comprehensive security testing of all message handling components and verification that no other similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist within the device's codebase, as this represents a systemic security weakness that may affect other functions utilizing similar string handling patterns.