CVE-2017-16312 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_sonos, at 0x9d01c028, the value for the `sn_discover` 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 described in CVE-2017-16312 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling system. This security weakness specifically targets the "cc" channel functionality of the device's firmware version 1012, creating an exploitable condition that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling mechanisms within the device's communication protocols, making it particularly dangerous for home automation systems that rely on such connectivity.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs within the cmd s_sonos function at memory address 0x9d01c028 where the system processes the sn_discover key value through an unsafe strcpy operation. This function copies data from the PubNub service into a buffer located at stack pointer plus 0x2b0 offset, which is only 32 bytes in size. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload exceeding this buffer capacity, the overflow propagates beyond the intended memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent stack variables, return addresses, and other critical program data. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected Insteon Hub device. Given that the device serves as a central communication hub for home automation systems, successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full control over connected smart home devices, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive personal data, remote device manipulation, and broader network compromise. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability suggests that the attack surface is limited to users who already have some level of access to the device's network interface, but this still represents a significant security risk for home automation environments.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from Insteon to address this specific vulnerability, network segmentation to isolate the affected devices, and monitoring for suspicious PubNub traffic patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, indicating that exploitation would likely involve command injection techniques. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify unusual string length patterns in PubNub communications and establish strict access controls for the device's HTTP interface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling external data sources such as cloud-based messaging services, as recommended by OWASP Top Ten security guidelines for preventing buffer overflow conditions in web applications.