CVE-2017-16334 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 0x9d01edb8, the value for the `s_raw` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x10`.This buffer is 244 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-2017-16334 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Insteon Hub's PubNub message handling system, specifically targeting the "cc" channel functionality. This flaw exists in firmware version 1012 and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within a network-connected home automation device that serves as a central hub for smart home communications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the s_raw key value within the cmd s_event function at memory address 0x9d01edb8. When an attacker crafts a specially formatted HTTP request containing malicious data in the s_raw field, the system uses the unsafe strcpy function to copy this data into a buffer located at $sp+0x10. This buffer has a fixed size of 244 bytes, making it susceptible to overflow when longer input data is provided. The use of strcpy without proper bounds checking directly violates secure coding practices and creates a predictable exploitation vector that can be leveraged to overwrite critical stack memory locations including return addresses and function pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides potential attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected Insteon Hub device. This represents a significant compromise of the device's security posture, particularly since the hub serves as a central communication point for home automation systems. The vulnerability requires an authenticated HTTP request to trigger, suggesting that attackers would need to obtain valid credentials or exploit another vulnerability to gain access to the device's administrative interface. However, once triggered, the buffer overflow could enable attackers to escalate privileges, install persistent backdoors, or completely compromise the device's operational integrity.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised device. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1068 which involves local privilege escalation and T1566 which covers credential access through social engineering or authentication bypass techniques. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a prime example of how embedded IoT devices often lack proper input validation and memory safety mechanisms that are standard in enterprise security architectures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16334 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the Insteon Hub to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous PubNub traffic patterns. Regular security assessments of IoT device configurations are essential, as this vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the potential for attackers to leverage seemingly benign communication protocols for malicious purposes. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious HTTP requests targeting known vulnerable endpoints within their smart home infrastructure.