CVE-2017-16319 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 0x9d01d7a8, the value for the `g_sonos_index` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x1b4`.This buffer is 8 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The CVE-2017-16319 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handler component, specifically targeting the "cc" channel functionality. This vulnerability resides within the firmware version 1012 of the Insteon Hub device, which serves as a smart home automation hub connecting various IoT devices within residential and commercial environments. The flaw manifests in the command processing mechanism that handles messages received through the PubNub messaging service, creating a dangerous attack surface that could potentially compromise the entire home automation ecosystem. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an authenticated HTTP request, indicating that attackers must first gain some level of access to the device's administrative interface or possess valid credentials. This authentication requirement does not mitigate the severity of the vulnerability, as it still provides a path for privilege escalation and system compromise once initial access is achieved.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the cmd s_sonos function at memory address 0x9d01d7a8, where the application processes the `g_sonos_index` key value using the insecure `strcpy` function. This function performs no bounds checking, allowing arbitrary data to be copied into a buffer that is only 8 bytes in size. The buffer allocation occurs at stack offset $sp+0x1b4, creating a scenario where any input exceeding 8 bytes in length will overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This classic buffer overflow vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significantly enhanced by the fact that it occurs in a message processing handler that is designed to receive external inputs from the PubNub service, making it accessible through network-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to overwrite critical stack data and potentially manipulate program control flow. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could achieve arbitrary code execution on the Insteon Hub device, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The compromised device would then serve as a foothold for further attacks within the home network, as the Insteon Hub typically controls various security and automation devices including lighting systems, thermostats, and security sensors. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous within the context of smart home environments where device interconnectivity and automation create expanded attack surfaces. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands on the compromised device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16319 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the root cause of the buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations and individuals should implement network segmentation to isolate the Insteon Hub from critical network segments, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual PubNub message patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly the avoidance of dangerous functions like `strcpy` in favor of safer alternatives such as `strncpy` or `strlcpy` that provide bounds checking. Security professionals should also consider implementing network access controls to restrict external communication with the device's PubNub handler, reducing the attack surface for this specific vulnerability. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments and firmware updates in IoT environments, where vulnerabilities in embedded systems can have far-reaching consequences for overall network security.