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CVE Record

CVE-2017-16275: Multiple exploitable buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in the PubNub message handler for the "cc" chann...

Multiple exploitable buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in the PubNub message handler for the "cc" channel of Insteon Hub running firmware version 1012. Specially crafted commands sent through the PubNub service can cause a stack-based buffer overflow overwriting arbitrary data. An attacker should send an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability. In cmd sn_grp, at 0x9d01758c, the value for the `grp` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x1b4`.This buffer is 8 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.

HighCVSS 8.5Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2017-16275 is a high-severity memory corruption flaw in Insteon Hub firmware 1012. An authenticated attacker can send crafted commands through the PubNub service and potentially take control of the device process. Business urgency is highest where Insteon Hubs remain deployed in operational environments or security-sensitive smart-building use cases.

Executive priority

Treat this as a priority remediation item for any remaining Insteon Hub deployments. It is not KEV-listed, but the impact is high and the device class may sit near physical automation or building-control workflows. Replace or isolate vulnerable hubs if vendor-supported remediation is unavailable.

Technical view

The flaw is a stack-based buffer overflow in the PubNub "cc" channel message handler. In command handling for sn_grp, the grp value is copied with strcpy into an 8-byte stack buffer. The CVSS 3.0 score is 8.5 with network reachability, low privileges, high complexity, no user interaction, changed scope, and high CIA impact.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Insteon Hub devices, specifically firmware version 1012 as described by the CVE text. The source bundle does not confirm other affected versions or products. Risk depends on whether authenticated PubNub/cloud command paths remain reachable and whether vulnerable hubs are still in service.

Exploitation context

The CVE record and Talos reference describe an authenticated attack path through PubNub, but the bundle does not cite active exploitation. CISA KEV status is false. The attack requires authentication and high complexity, but successful exploitation may compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Researcher notes

Evidence is strongest for Insteon Hub firmware 1012 and the described PubNub "cc" channel handler. The source bundle names CWE-121 and gives a specific vulnerable copy into an 8-byte stack buffer. It does not provide a confirmed patch, broader version range, or active exploitation evidence.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory Insteon Hub deployments and identify any devices running firmware 1012.
  • Check Insteon or vendor guidance for firmware updates, replacement, or retirement advice.
  • Restrict hub administration and remote-control access to trusted users and networks.
  • Disable unused remote access or cloud integrations where operationally feasible.
  • Segment or retire vulnerable hubs if no supported vendor fix is available.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm device model and firmware version for every Insteon Hub in scope.
  • Review vendor and Talos advisories for any updated affected-version or remediation details.
  • Check access logs for unexpected authenticated hub or cloud-control activity.
  • Verify only trusted accounts can issue hub control actions.
  • Track KEV and vendor status for changes in exploitation or patch availability.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
3

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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cwe · low confidence lookup

CWE-121: Exact CWE lookup

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cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2017-16275 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
8.5 (3.0)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
2Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
8.5CVSS 3.0HighCVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H1.86Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.0 score

8.5High
CVSS 3.0 vector shape for CVE-2017-16275Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
InsteonHubNot specifiedListed
Weakness

CWE details

CWE-121

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.