CVE-2017-16311 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 UpdateCheck, at 0x9d01bb64, the value for the `type` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x270`.This buffer is 16 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-2017-16311 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling mechanism. This vulnerability specifically targets the "cc" channel functionality of the Insteon Hub device, which operates with firmware version 1012. The affected system processes messages through the PubNub service, creating a potential attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the improperly validated input handling. The flaw manifests in the cmd UpdateCheck function at memory address 0x9d01bb64 where the system copies data using the unsafe strcpy function without proper bounds checking. This particular implementation violates fundamental security principles and creates a deterministic path for arbitrary code execution through memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure use of the strcpy function which lacks size validation mechanisms. When processing the `type` key value from incoming PubNub commands, the system allocates only 16 bytes of stack space at offset $sp+0x270 to store the incoming data. This fixed-size buffer creates a predictable overflow condition where any input exceeding 16 bytes will overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-121 category, specifically addressing stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking prevents data from overflowing allocated buffers. The attack requires an authenticated HTTP request to the device, indicating that while the vulnerability is exploitable, it necessitates prior access to valid credentials, though this authentication requirement does not prevent the exploitation from occurring within the device's own processing environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to overwrite critical stack data structures, return addresses, and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running process. The attacker can manipulate the program flow by overwriting the return address on the stack, effectively redirecting execution to malicious code injected into the buffer overflow. This type of exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can leverage buffer overflow conditions to gain unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability affects the device's firmware integrity and can potentially compromise the entire home automation network controlled by the Insteon Hub, as the device serves as a central communication hub for multiple connected devices. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to persistent access, data exfiltration, or disruption of the smart home environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16311 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Insteon Hub device and restrict the PubNub communication channels to trusted sources only. The use of input validation and bounds checking mechanisms should be enforced throughout the application code, replacing unsafe functions like strcpy with safer alternatives such as strncpy or strlcpy that provide explicit buffer size limitations. Additionally, implementing stack canaries and address space layout randomization (ASLR) can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of embedded firmware components and implementation of secure coding practices should be mandatory for all IoT device manufacturers to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper authentication and authorization mechanisms, as the requirement for authenticated access does not prevent the exploitation from occurring once an attacker has valid credentials, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls throughout the device lifecycle.