CVE-2017-16324 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 0x9d01e368, the value for the `s_group_vol` 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-2017-16324 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, which is a smart home automation hub designed to control various home appliances and security systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the "cc" channel of the PubNub messaging service, which serves as a communication interface for the hub's remote management capabilities. The flaw manifests when the system processes specially crafted commands sent through the PubNub service, creating a dangerous condition that allows arbitrary code execution and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow scenario where the system uses the unsafe `strcpy` function to copy data into a fixed-size buffer. The buffer in question is located at stack offset $sp+0x2b0 and has a capacity of only 32 bytes, while the input data can exceed this limit significantly. The specific function where this occurs is `cmd s_sonos` at memory address 0x9d01e368, where the value for the `s_group_vol` key is copied without proper bounds checking. This primitive copying operation, as defined by CWE-121, creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially including return addresses, saved registers, and other critical program state information. The use of `strcpy` instead of safer alternatives like `strncpy` or `snprintf` directly violates secure coding practices and creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, presenting significant security risks to smart home environments. An attacker who can send authenticated HTTP requests to the vulnerable device can achieve arbitrary code execution, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to the home network. This vulnerability enables attackers to gain control over connected home devices, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised hub as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices within the home. The security implications are particularly severe given that the Insteon Hub serves as a central control point for home automation systems, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking persistent access to residential networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised device.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated HTTP request, which suggests that attackers would need some form of valid credentials or access to the network to initiate the attack. However, the low barrier to entry for triggering this specific buffer overflow means that even limited access could be sufficient to cause significant damage. The stack-based nature of the overflow provides attackers with multiple potential targets for exploitation, including overwriting return addresses to redirect execution flow or manipulating saved registers to alter program behavior. This type of vulnerability represents a classic example of how embedded systems in IoT devices often lack proper input validation and memory safety mechanisms, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged for serious security breaches. Organizations and individuals using Insteon Hub devices should immediately implement network segmentation, update firmware when available, and monitor for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts.