CVE-2018-3832 – This vulnerability allows attackers to upload m... (How to Fix)

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious firmware to Insteon Hub devices running firmware version 1013. By exploiting the HTTP server's MPFS binary upload feature, attackers can bypass signature verification and install unauthorized firmware. This affects all users of Insteon Hub with the vulnerable firmware version.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Insteon Hub

Versions: Firmware version 1013

Operating Systems: Embedded firmware

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Devices with default configuration are vulnerable as HTTP server runs on port 80

📦 What is this software?

Hub 2245 222 Firmware by Insteon

View all CVEs affecting Hub 2245 222 Firmware →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device compromise allowing persistent remote control, data theft, and potential pivot point into home networks

🟠

Likely Case

Unauthorized firmware installation leading to device malfunction, surveillance capabilities, or botnet recruitment

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if devices are isolated from internet and network access is restricted

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - HTTP server is internet-accessible by default, allowing remote exploitation

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Requires network access but can be exploited from local network

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

Exploit involves two HTTP requests: MPFS upload followed by firmware upload

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Firmware version 1015 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://www.insteon.com/support/security-advisory

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Log into Insteon Hub web interface
2. Navigate to Settings > Firmware Update
3. Check for and install available updates
4. Reboot device after update completes

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network Isolation

all

Block internet access to Insteon Hub and restrict local network access

Firewall Rules

linux

Block HTTP access to Insteon Hub from untrusted networks

iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Disconnect device from internet and place behind strict firewall
Replace vulnerable device with updated hardware if firmware update unavailable

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check firmware version via web interface at http://[hub-ip]/firmware.htm or via Insteon mobile app

Check Version:

curl -s http://[hub-ip]/firmware.htm | grep -i version

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm firmware version is 1015 or higher and attempt to access /mpfsupload returns error

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

HTTP POST requests to /mpfsupload
Firmware upload attempts to firmware.htm
Unusual firmware version changes

Network Indicators:

HTTP traffic to hub on port 80 with MPFS or firmware upload patterns
Unusual outbound connections from hub after compromise

SIEM Query:

source="web_logs" AND (uri="/mpfsupload" OR uri="/firmware.htm") AND method="POST"

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2018-3832

CVSS v3 Score: 9.0 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-434

Published: August 23, 2018

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://www.talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2018-0511 Third Party Advisory
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/144976 Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://www.talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2018-0511 Third Party Advisory

📤 Share & Export

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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