CVE-2017-16323 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 0x9d01e2f4, the value for the `s_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 described in CVE-2017-16323 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the PubNub message handler component of Insteon Hub firmware version 1012. This issue resides specifically within the "cc" channel processing functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it operates through the PubNub messaging service which is commonly used for real-time communication in IoT environments. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices that allow attackers to manipulate memory layout through crafted message payloads. The flaw manifests when the system processes commands received via the PubNub service, specifically targeting the command handler function s_sonos where memory corruption occurs during string operations.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated HTTP request to be sent to the affected device, indicating that while the attack vector is accessible, it does require some level of prior authentication or access to the system. The buffer overflow occurs at memory address 0x9d01e2f4 within the s_sonos function where the value associated with the s_group key is copied using the dangerous strcpy function. This particular implementation flaw creates a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where a 32-byte buffer located at stack offset $sp+0x2b0 receives data without proper bounds checking, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and other critical program state information. The use of strcpy instead of safer alternatives like strncpy or strlcpy directly violates secure coding practices and creates predictable memory corruption patterns that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the stack-based buffer overflow can potentially be exploited to achieve remote code execution on the affected Insteon Hub device. This represents a significant security risk for home and commercial automation systems that rely on the device for network connectivity and control functions. The vulnerability affects the core messaging infrastructure of the device, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system, modify device behavior, or even escalate privileges within the network ecosystem. Given that the Insteon Hub serves as a central controller for home automation systems, successful exploitation could compromise the entire connected home network, affecting security cameras, smart locks, lighting systems, and other IoT devices that may be controlled through the same platform. The attack requires an authenticated request, which suggests that the vulnerability may be exploitable by individuals who have already gained some level of access to the system or have legitimate credentials for the PubNub service integration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16323 should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the underlying buffer overflow vulnerability through proper input validation and use of safe string handling functions. System administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate the affected devices from critical network segments and apply strict access controls to limit who can send authenticated requests to the PubNub message handler. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in PubNub traffic or HTTP requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and follows attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting application-level vulnerabilities in IoT device management systems. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious buffer overflow patterns in network traffic and establish regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other IoT components within their infrastructure.