CVE-2017-16342 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 0x9d01c254 the value for the s_vol_dim_delta key is copied using strcpy to the buffer at 0xa0000514. This buffer is 4 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-2017-16342 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub device firmware, specifically affecting version 1012. This security weakness resides in the device's handling of authenticated HTTP requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted network traffic. The vulnerability manifests at the memory address 0x9d01c254 where the s_vol_dim_delta parameter is processed, demonstrating a classic implementation error that violates fundamental security principles of input validation and memory management.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves a direct memory copy operation using the strcpy function, which lacks bounds checking capabilities inherent in safer alternatives like strlcpy or strncpy. The target buffer located at address 0xa0000514 measures only four bytes in size, while the source data from the s_vol_dim_delta key can exceed this limit, resulting in a predictable buffer overflow condition. This flaw directly maps to CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities, and more specifically to CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions. The absence of proper input validation and memory boundary checks creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service scenarios, as it enables authenticated remote code execution capabilities within the Insteon Hub environment. Attackers who can establish authentication credentials to the device can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized control over the system, potentially compromising the entire home automation network. This vulnerability affects the broader Internet of Things ecosystem by demonstrating how embedded devices in smart home environments can contain fundamental security flaws that persist across firmware versions. The implications are particularly concerning given that the Insteon Hub serves as a central control point for home automation systems, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to residential networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as this represents a known issue requiring official patches. Organizations and individuals should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Insteon Hub device, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns in HTTP requests targeting the device can help detect exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation may involve executing malicious code through the buffer overflow. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, particularly those targeting embedded devices in home automation environments.