CVE-2017-16273 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2017-16273 is a vulnerability affecting Insteon Hub firmware version 1012, leading to buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the PubNub message handler. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted commands via the PubNub service, triggering a stack-based buffer overflow.

Understanding CVE-2017-16273

This CVE involves a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Insteon Hub firmware version 1012.

What is CVE-2017-16273?

The vulnerability allows attackers to overwrite arbitrary data by exploiting the PubNub message handler in the Insteon Hub firmware.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16273

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 8.5, indicating a high severity level with significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16273

The technical aspects of the CVE-2017-16273 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a stack-based buffer overflow in the PubNub message handler for the "cc" channel.
By sending crafted commands via PubNub, attackers can trigger the overflow, leading to arbitrary data overwriting.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Insteon
Product: Hub
Affected Version: Not specified

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending authenticated HTTP requests to trigger the buffer overflow.
The overflow occurs in the cmd e_ml function at memory address 0x9d016fa8, where the

grp

key value is copied to a buffer, leading to the overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-16273, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Insteon Hub firmware to a patched version.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Insteon promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.