CVE-2017-16329 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 0x9d01eb44, the value for the `s_event_delay` 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-2017-16329 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handler component, specifically affecting the "cc" channel functionality within firmware version 1012. This flaw exists within the command processing mechanism that handles messages transmitted through the PubNub service, creating a significant security risk for connected home automation systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices that allow malicious actors to manipulate system memory through crafted payloads delivered via the messaging platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_event_alarm function at memory address 0x9d01eb44, where the system processes the `s_event_delay` parameter received through PubNub messages. The flaw manifests when the application employs the unsafe `strcpy` function to copy user-supplied data into a buffer located at stack offset $sp+0x2b0, which is allocated with only 32 bytes of storage capacity. This buffer overflow condition arises because the application fails to validate the length of incoming data before copying it into the fixed-size buffer, directly violating fundamental security principles of input sanitization and memory bounds checking. The use of `strcpy` without length constraints creates an ideal environment for attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially including return addresses and other critical control data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Insteon Hub's running process. An attacker capable of sending authenticated HTTP requests to the vulnerable system can craft malicious payloads that exploit this buffer overflow to overwrite critical program execution flow, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects smart home automation infrastructure that relies on the Insteon Hub for device communication, creating risks for users who depend on these systems for security monitoring, environmental controls, and home automation management. The attack vector requires only the ability to send authenticated requests through the PubNub service, making it particularly concerning as many IoT devices may be accessible through compromised accounts or shared network access points.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The flaw represents a classic example of unsafe string manipulation in embedded systems where memory safety checks are insufficiently implemented. Given that this vulnerability affects firmware-level components of home automation systems, it presents a substantial risk to user privacy and physical security, as compromised hubs could enable unauthorized access to connected devices, disruption of home automation services, or potential data exfiltration from the local network environment. The specific targeting of the "cc" channel within the PubNub messaging system suggests that this vulnerability may be exploitable through legitimate service usage patterns, making detection and mitigation more challenging for affected users.
Recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and use of safe string handling functions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate Insteon Hub devices from critical network segments and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous PubNub traffic patterns. Additionally, users should regularly update their system credentials and consider implementing multi-factor authentication where available to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the vulnerable HTTP endpoints. The remediation process should involve replacing unsafe `strcpy` calls with safer alternatives such as `strncpy` or `snprintf` with appropriate length parameters, ensuring that input data is properly validated before processing and that buffer boundaries are strictly enforced throughout the application's memory management operations.