CVE-2017-16333 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, at 0x9d01ed7c, the value for the `s_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 • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-16333 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the PubNub message handling component of Insteon Hub firmware version 1012. This flaw exists specifically within the "cc" channel handler and demonstrates a classic programming error that has been classified as CWE-121, stack-based buffer overflow, which falls under the broader category of CWE-787, out-of-bounds write. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes specially crafted commands transmitted through the PubNub messaging service, creating a pathway for remote exploitation that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_event function at memory address 0x9d01ed7c where the value associated with the s_offset key is copied using the dangerous strcpy function without proper bounds checking. This particular implementation pattern directly violates secure coding practices and creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerable buffer located at $sp+0x2b0 has a fixed size of only 32 bytes, making it extremely susceptible to overflow when processing input data that exceeds this limit. The use of strcpy instead of safer alternatives like strncpy or strlcpy represents a fundamental security oversight that has been documented in numerous security advisories and represents a well-known weakness in embedded systems development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple buffer corruption, as it provides an attacker with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected Insteon Hub device. This remote code execution capability represents a severe compromise of the device's security posture and could enable attackers to gain full control over the home automation system. The requirement for an authenticated HTTP request to trigger the vulnerability does not significantly reduce the risk level, as authentication credentials can often be obtained through various means including social engineering, credential reuse attacks, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the network ecosystem. The attack vector through the PubNub messaging service particularly amplifies the risk because it allows for remote exploitation without requiring physical access to the device or direct network connectivity to the internal network.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate and long-term approaches to address the root cause. The most critical immediate action involves patching the firmware to replace the vulnerable strcpy function with a secure alternative that performs proper bounds checking. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of the Insteon Hub to untrusted networks, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1036, Masquerading, and T1046, Network Service Scanning. Additionally, monitoring for unusual PubNub traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those recommended by the CERT/CC and NIST, particularly regarding buffer overflow prevention and secure software development lifecycle practices. Regular firmware updates and vulnerability assessments should be implemented to prevent similar issues in future deployments, as this vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing need for security awareness in embedded systems development and the critical importance of proper input validation in all network-facing components.