CVE-2017-16337 in Hub 2245-222
Summary
by MITRE
On Insteon Hub 2245-222 devices with 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. At 0x9d01ef24 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.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2017-16337 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Insteon Hub 2245-222 devices running firmware version 1012. This issue manifests through the PubNub service communication channel, where maliciously crafted commands can exploit a fundamental programming error that violates secure coding practices. The vulnerability exists within the device's handling of HTTP requests and demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution and system compromise. The flaw specifically occurs at memory address 0x9d01ef24 where the s_offset key value is processed using the dangerous strcpy function without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented pattern that aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where a fixed-size buffer of only 32 bytes at stack location $sp+0x2b0 receives data from an unvalidated source without size verification. The use of strcpy instead of safer alternatives like strlcpy or strncpy creates a direct path for attackers to overflow the designated buffer space and overwrite critical stack data including return addresses, saved registers, and other program state information. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in embedded IoT devices because it can be exploited remotely through the PubNub service interface, eliminating the need for physical access or local network presence. The authenticated nature of the attack requirement means that an adversary must first obtain valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability, though this still represents a significant security weakness in the device's access control implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service or data corruption, as it provides attackers with potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow could gain full control over the Insteon Hub device, potentially enabling them to modify home automation settings, access network communications, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically deployed in residential and commercial environments where security is paramount, making the potential consequences particularly severe. The fact that this vulnerability is present in firmware version 1012 indicates that the manufacturer failed to properly implement input validation and memory management practices that should have been addressed during the software development lifecycle, as evidenced by the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, which could be leveraged through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer to address the buffer overflow condition through proper bounds checking and input validation. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential attack surface, ensuring that only authorized users can send commands to the PubNub service interface. Additionally, monitoring for unusual patterns in PubNub communications and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary services and ensuring that all authentication mechanisms are properly secured with strong credentials and multi-factor authentication where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in embedded systems, highlighting that even minor implementation flaws in IoT devices can create significant security risks that require immediate attention and remediation.