CVE-2017-16328 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_event_alarm, at 0x9d01eb08, the value for the `s_event_offset` 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 • 01/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16328 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 that communicates with various IoT devices through the PubNub messaging service. The vulnerability specifically targets the "cc" channel of the PubNub service, making it accessible through the messaging infrastructure that connects the hub to external services. The issue stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling mechanisms within the hub's communication protocol implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted HTTP request that must be authenticated to the Insteon Hub system. When an attacker sends malicious data through the PubNub service to the "cc" channel, the system processes the request and attempts to copy data into a fixed-size buffer located at stack offset 0x2b0. The buffer has a capacity of only 32 bytes, yet the application uses the unsafe strcpy function to copy data from the `s_event_offset` key without bounds checking. This fundamental flaw in the code allows attackers to overflow the buffer and overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The specific location of the overflow at 0x9d01eb08 in the cmd s_event_alarm function demonstrates that this is a well-defined code path that can be reliably exploited.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple buffer overflow exploitation, as it provides attackers with potential remote code execution capabilities within the Insteon Hub's operating environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. The attack vector requires an authenticated HTTP request, meaning that an attacker must first gain access to valid credentials or exploit other authentication bypass mechanisms. However, once successful, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the hub, potentially gaining full control over the smart home automation system. The implications are particularly severe given that Insteon Hubs typically control various security and automation systems within homes and businesses.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how IoT devices often suffer from poor input validation and unsafe memory handling practices. The use of strcpy instead of safer alternatives like strncpy or strlcpy demonstrates a common pattern in embedded systems development where performance considerations override security best practices. This vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could potentially leverage this overflow to execute PowerShell commands or other shell commands on the compromised device. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from Insteon, network segmentation to limit access to the hub, and monitoring for unusual PubNub traffic patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the need for thorough security testing of IoT device firmware before deployment in production environments.