CVE-2017-16325 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 0x9d01e3a8, the value for the `s_group_cmd` 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-2017-16325 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 practices that allow attackers to manipulate memory layout through crafted malicious payloads. The affected system operates as a smart home automation hub that relies on PubNub messaging services for communication with connected devices, making it a potential entry point for broader home network compromise.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a stack-based buffer overflow condition that manifests when processing specially crafted commands delivered via the PubNub messaging service. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution through authenticated HTTP requests that target the specific command handler. At memory address 0x9d01e3a8 within the cmd s_sonos function, the system performs an unsafe copy operation using the strcpy function to transfer data from the `s_group_cmd` key into a buffer located at stack pointer offset +0x2b0. This buffer allocation is only 32 bytes in size, making it极易 susceptible to overflow when malicious input exceeds this boundary. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected Insteon Hub device. This remote code execution vulnerability could enable attackers to gain full control over the smart home automation system, potentially allowing them to manipulate connected devices, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent access points within the home network. The requirement for authenticated HTTP requests to trigger the vulnerability does not significantly reduce the threat level, as attackers can potentially obtain valid credentials through various means including social engineering, network sniffing, or credential reuse attacks. The vulnerability affects the core communication infrastructure of the smart home system, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise home automation networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16325 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the identified buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations and individuals should implement network segmentation to isolate smart home devices from critical network segments, reducing potential lateral movement if compromise occurs. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual PubNub messaging patterns or authenticated HTTP requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of input validation controls at the application layer can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, including bounds checking and secure string handling practices that prevent the unsafe strcpy operations that enable the vulnerability. Security professionals should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. Additionally, regular security assessments of IoT devices and smart home ecosystems should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the home automation infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates the broader risk associated with embedded systems and IoT devices that lack proper input validation mechanisms.