CVE-2017-16339 in Insteon
Summary
by MITRE
An attacker could send an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability in Insteon Hub running firmware version 1012. At 0x9d01bb1c the value for the uri key is copied using strcpy to the buffer at 0xa00016a0. This buffer is 64 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16339 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub device firmware, specifically affecting versions up to and including 1012. This issue manifests through an authenticated HTTP request mechanism that allows an attacker with valid credentials to exploit the system's memory handling routines. The vulnerability resides in the firmware's handling of URI parameters within HTTP requests, creating a critical security gap that could be leveraged for arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate buffer size management, typical of embedded systems that prioritize functionality over security hardening. The Insteon Hub serves as a central control point for home automation systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over connected smart home devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented pattern of unsafe string copying operations. The firmware executes strcpy function to copy the uri key value from the HTTP request to a buffer located at address 0xa00016a0, which has a fixed size of 64 bytes. This direct copying without proper bounds checking creates an exploitable condition where any URI input exceeding 64 bytes in length will overwrite adjacent memory locations. The specific address 0x9d01bb1c represents the memory location where the URI parameter is initially processed, while the destination buffer at 0xa00016a0 serves as the vulnerable target. This memory layout suggests a stack-based buffer overflow scenario where the overflow could potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a fundamental flaw in the firmware's memory management and input validation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service or data corruption, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to achieve complete system compromise. An authenticated attacker could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the Insteon Hub, potentially gaining access to the entire home automation network controlled by the device. The consequences could include unauthorized access to connected smart home devices, data exfiltration from the network, or even the ability to manipulate security systems. The authenticated nature of the attack reduces the barrier to exploitation but does not eliminate the severity, as the attacker would need valid credentials to access the system initially. This vulnerability particularly affects home automation ecosystems where the Insteon Hub acts as a central coordinator, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to gain control over smart home infrastructure. The compromised device could serve as a pivot point for further attacks within the network, potentially affecting other connected IoT devices that may have weaker security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate firmware updates and network-level security measures to protect against exploitation. The primary remediation involves applying the vendor-provided firmware patch that implements proper bounds checking for URI parameter handling and replaces the unsafe strcpy operation with safer alternatives such as strlcpy or manual length validation. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the Insteon Hub's administrative interfaces. Monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for regular security assessments of IoT devices. Organizations should consider implementing network access controls and authentication mechanisms that limit exposure to such vulnerabilities. Additionally, the incident underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust security practices throughout the IoT ecosystem to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in operational environments.