The second generation of Belkin’s Wemo Mini Smart Plug has been identified as having a buffer overflow vulnerability, which could be exploited by malicious actors to remotely inject arbitrary commands into the device.
This security issue, designated as CVE-2023-27217, was reported to Belkin on January 9, 2023, by Sternum, an Israeli IoT security firm that reverse-engineered the plug and achieved firmware access. The Wemo Mini Smart Plug V2 (model F7C063) is designed to allow users to control electronic devices remotely through an application available on smartphones or tablets.
The crux of the vulnerability lies in a feature enabling users to rename their smart plugs, with the default name being “Wemo mini 6E9.” The name length is restricted to 30 characters, a limit enforced solely by the application and not by the firmware, as highlighted by security researchers Amit Serper and Reuven Yakar in a detailed report shared with The Hacker News.
Exploiting this oversight is feasible using a Python module named pyWeMo. This can lead to a buffer overflow condition, which attackers could leverage either to crash the device or to execute malicious commands, effectively compromising control of the system.
In response to these findings, Belkin announced it would not address the vulnerability due to the product nearing its end-of-life (EoL), with newer models now available.
Researchers noted that this vulnerability could potentially be triggered through the cloud interface, allowing for exploitation without a direct connection to the device. In light of the absence of a fix, it is advised that users refrain from exposing the Wemo Mini Smart Plug V2 to direct internet access. Furthermore, implementing robust network segmentation measures is crucial for those using the device in sensitive environments.
As highlighted by Igal Zeifman, vice president of marketing for Sternum, the lack of on-device protections can pose significant risks. Relying solely on responsive security patching means organizations may remain perpetually one step behind potential adversaries, ultimately leading to a scenario where crucial patches may cease altogether.