CVE-2017-16313 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 0x9d01c084, the value for the `s_ddelay` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x2b0`.This buffer is 32 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16313 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling system, specifically affecting the "cc" channel functionality in firmware version 1012. This flaw resides in the command processing logic that handles messages transmitted through the PubNub service, creating an exploitable condition that could allow remote code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices within the embedded system's network communication stack, making it particularly dangerous in IoT environments where devices often lack robust security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_sonos function at memory address 0x9d01c084 where the system processes the `s_ddelay` parameter from incoming HTTP requests. The flaw manifests when the system uses the unsafe `strcpy` function to copy data into a buffer located at `$sp+0x2b0` which has a fixed size of only 32 bytes. This buffer overflow condition is triggered when an attacker sends a malicious payload containing more than 32 bytes of data for the `s_ddelay` key, causing the overflow to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically targeting memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the system's execution flow through stack memory corruption. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables, enabling them to execute arbitrary code on the affected Insteon Hub device. This represents a significant threat to home automation systems, as the compromised device could serve as a foothold for further network infiltration or could be used to disrupt critical home automation functions. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerability suggests that the attack vector may involve either credential compromise or a man-in-the-middle attack against the PubNub communication channel, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1566 for Phishing with Malicious Attachment or Link.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and use of safe string handling functions. The recommended approach includes implementing bounds checking before string operations, replacing `strcpy` with safer alternatives like `strncpy` or `snprintf`, and ensuring proper input sanitization for all parameters received through the PubNub service. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected device to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious PubNub message patterns targeting known vulnerable firmware versions, as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for managing cybersecurity risks in industrial control systems and IoT environments.