CVE-2017-16317 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 0x9d01d068, the value for the `g_group` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x2b0`.This buffer is 32 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16317 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handler component. This flaw exists within the firmware version 1012 of the Insteon Hub device, specifically affecting the "cc" channel message processing functionality. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling mechanisms that allow malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted PubNub service communications. The affected system operates as a smart home automation hub that processes various commands through the PubNub messaging platform, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged by remote threat actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific code path within the cmd s_sonos function at memory address 0x9d01d068. The flaw manifests when the system processes the `g_group` key value from incoming PubNub messages, utilizing the dangerous `strcpy` function to copy data into a stack buffer located at `$sp+0x2b0`. This buffer has a fixed size of only 32 bytes, making it susceptible to overflow when processing longer input data. The use of `strcpy` without bounds checking creates a classic buffer overflow scenario where an attacker can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data structures. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate program exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can enable remote code execution and full system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate the execution flow of the affected application, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the Insteon Hub's internal systems. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerability suggests that attackers must first establish some level of access to the PubNub service or have knowledge of valid credentials to send malicious payloads. However, once triggered, the buffer overflow could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the device, potentially leading to complete compromise of the smart home automation network. The compromised hub could then serve as a pivot point for attacking other connected devices within the home network, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in residential and commercial smart home environments where multiple IoT devices may be interconnected. Mitigation strategies should include firmware updates, input validation improvements, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and IoT devices, particularly when handling external communications. The use of unsafe string functions like `strcpy` in embedded environments where memory constraints and security considerations are paramount demonstrates a common pattern of development oversights that create exploitable conditions. The specific targeting of the PubNub messaging interface suggests that the vulnerability may be more prevalent in systems that integrate third-party messaging services without adequate security controls. Organizations deploying similar IoT infrastructure should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify and remediate similar buffer overflow conditions in their embedded systems. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of implementing proper input sanitization and bounds checking mechanisms, especially in systems where external inputs are processed without adequate validation. Additionally, the requirement for authenticated HTTP requests to trigger the vulnerability indicates that proper access controls and authentication mechanisms should be implemented to prevent unauthorized exploitation attempts.