CVE-2017-16347 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 0x9d01e7d4 the value for the s_vol key is copied using strcpy to the buffer at 0xa0001700. This buffer is maximum 12 bytes large (this is the maximum size it could be, it is possible other global variables are stored between this variable and the next one that we could identify), 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-2017-16347 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Insteon Hub device firmware, specifically affecting version 1012. This security weakness stems from improper input validation and memory management practices that allow an authenticated attacker to exploit the system through carefully crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability manifests at the memory address 0x9d01e7d4 where the s_vol key value is copied using the dangerous strcpy function to a buffer located at 0xa0001700. This buffer allocation is severely constrained to only 12 bytes in size, creating a significant attack surface for memory corruption exploits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability directly violates established security principles and is classified as a classic buffer overflow condition under CWE-121. The use of strcpy without proper bounds checking creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The specific memory layout where the vulnerable buffer resides suggests that other global variables may be positioned in close proximity, making the overflow particularly dangerous as it could overwrite critical program state information, return addresses, or other essential system variables. This type of vulnerability falls squarely within the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides authenticated attackers with the potential to compromise the entire Insteon Hub system. Since the attack requires only an authenticated HTTP request, an attacker with valid credentials can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access or complex attack vectors. The buffer overflow could potentially allow for remote code execution, enabling attackers to gain full control over the smart home hub, access network communications, or manipulate connected devices. This represents a significant risk to home automation security, as the compromised device could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration or as a pivot point for attacking other connected IoT devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16347 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Organizations and individuals should implement network segmentation to isolate the Insteon Hub from critical network segments, reducing the potential blast radius of any successful exploitation. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual HTTP requests targeting the hub's authentication endpoints can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly the avoidance of dangerous functions like strcpy in favor of safer alternatives such as strlcpy or explicit bounds checking mechanisms. Regular security audits of embedded firmware and IoT devices should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions that may exist in other system components.