CVE-2017-16343 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 0x9d01c284 the value for the s_vol_brt_delta key is copied using strcpy to the buffer at 0xa0000510. 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 described in CVE-2017-16343 represents a classic buffer overflow condition within the Insteon Hub firmware ecosystem, specifically manifesting in the handling of authenticated HTTP requests. This issue exists within the embedded system's memory management routines where the system fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size buffers. The flaw is particularly concerning as it requires only an authenticated user to exploit, significantly reducing the attack surface compared to unauthenticated vulnerabilities. The affected firmware version 1012 demonstrates a critical oversight in input validation mechanisms that directly impacts the device's security posture. The vulnerability is rooted in the improper use of the strcpy function which lacks bounds checking, creating a scenario where arbitrary data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The specific memory addresses provided indicate a well-defined exploitation vector where 0x9d01c284 contains the source data for the s_vol_brt_delta key while 0xa0000510 represents the destination buffer that is only four bytes in size, making it trivial to overflow with any input exceeding four bytes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes the classic stack-based buffer overflow condition, though the embedded nature of the system suggests this may also relate to CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it provides potential attackers with opportunities for arbitrary code execution within the device's runtime environment. When an authenticated attacker sends a malicious HTTP request containing oversized data for the s_vol_brt_delta parameter, the system's failure to validate input length results in a predictable buffer overflow that could be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution flow. This memory corruption could potentially lead to complete device compromise, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the home automation system, modify device configurations, or even escalate privileges within the embedded operating environment. The authentication requirement does not mitigate the severity since it only requires legitimate credentials to be compromised or obtained through social engineering techniques.
The exploitation of this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as the buffer overflow could potentially enable an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the device. Additionally, the vulnerability supports T1068 for local privilege escalation when the device's embedded operating system provides different privilege levels for various execution contexts. The impact on the broader home automation ecosystem is significant as the Insteon Hub serves as a central control point for smart home devices, making this vulnerability a potential gateway for attackers to compromise entire home networks. Organizations using this device should consider the vulnerability as a critical risk that could allow attackers to gain persistent access to their smart home infrastructure, potentially enabling further reconnaissance and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise since it involves straightforward HTTP request manipulation and leverages well-known buffer overflow exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16343 should include immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Insteon Hub to trusted network segments and employ network monitoring solutions to detect unusual HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls can help filter malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable system, while regular security audits should verify that input validation mechanisms are properly implemented throughout the device's codebase. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary HTTP endpoints and implementing strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access to the device. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of firmware components before deployment in production environments.