CVE-2017-16318 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 0x9d01d16c, the value for the `g_group_off` 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-2017-16318 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling system, specifically within the "cc" channel functionality. This issue affects firmware version 1012 and demonstrates a classic security flaw where uncontrolled data copying leads to memory corruption. The vulnerability resides in the command processing logic at address 0x9d01d16c within the s_sonos function, where the system fails to properly validate input length before copying data to a fixed-size buffer. The affected buffer located at stack pointer offset +0x2b0 has a capacity of only 32 bytes, making it extremely susceptible to overflow conditions when processing maliciously crafted input data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and represents a fundamental memory safety problem that has been consistently exploited in various attack scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides potential attackers with a pathway for arbitrary code execution within the Insteon Hub's operating environment. The attack requires an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerability, suggesting that an attacker must first establish some level of access to the system or its network interface. However, the low barrier to exploitation through the PubNub service means that even limited access could potentially lead to complete system compromise. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of the `g_group_off` key value, indicating that attackers could manipulate group-related settings to execute malicious payloads. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it enables attackers to potentially execute commands through the compromised message handling system. The stack-based nature of the overflow also makes it particularly dangerous as it can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, potentially allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate and long-term security measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating the Insteon Hub firmware to a version that properly validates input length before copying data to fixed-size buffers. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to the PubNub service interface and restrict the attack surface by disabling unnecessary channels or features. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to prevent any data exceeding the 32-byte buffer capacity from being processed, ideally using safer string handling functions such as strncpy instead of strcpy. Additionally, the system should implement proper authentication and authorization controls to ensure that only legitimate users can submit commands through the PubNub service. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in PubNub traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security audits of embedded systems, particularly those handling external communication protocols like PubNub. Organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed to identify buffer overflow patterns and other exploitation indicators in their IoT environments. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust input validation and memory safety practices in embedded systems, as the consequences of inadequate protection can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to home automation networks.