CVE-2024-39752: IBM Analytics Content Hub RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-39752 Overview

IBM Analytics Content Hub versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 contain a critical unrestricted file upload vulnerability (CWE-434) that allows attackers to upload malicious executable files through the Explore Content feature. The application fails to properly validate the type of files uploaded, enabling threat actors to introduce malicious payloads into the system. These files can subsequently be distributed to victims to facilitate further attacks, including potential remote code execution.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can upload malicious executable files to IBM Analytics Content Hub without restriction, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or use of the platform as an attack distribution mechanism.

Affected Products

• IBM Analytics Content Hub 2.0
• IBM Analytics Content Hub 2.1
• IBM Analytics Content Hub 2.2
• IBM Analytics Content Hub 2.3

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-07-10 - CVE-2024-39752 published to NVD
• 2025-07-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-39752

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from insufficient file upload validation in the Explore Content functionality of IBM Analytics Content Hub. The application fails to enforce proper file type restrictions, allowing users to upload files without adequate verification of their content or extension. This type of vulnerability, classified as CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type), represents a significant security flaw that can serve as an initial attack vector for more sophisticated exploitation chains.

The lack of file type validation means that attackers can upload various forms of malicious content, including executable files, web shells, or script files. Once uploaded, these files reside on the server and can be leveraged for multiple attack scenarios, from direct code execution to social engineering attacks where malicious files are distributed to unsuspecting users through the platform.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-39752 is the absence of proper server-side validation for uploaded files in the Explore Content component. The application does not implement adequate checks for:

• File extension whitelisting or blacklisting
• MIME type verification
• File content analysis (magic bytes verification)
• File size restrictions for executable content

This allows any file type, including potentially dangerous executables, to be uploaded and stored within the system without restriction.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and does not require authentication or user interaction. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely by:

1. Accessing the Explore Content file upload functionality in IBM Analytics Content Hub
2. Crafting a malicious file (e.g., executable, script, or web shell)
3. Uploading the malicious file through the unvalidated upload mechanism
4. Using the uploaded file for direct exploitation or distributing it to victims through the platform

Since no authentication is required, any network-accessible instance of IBM Analytics Content Hub versions 2.0 through 2.3 is potentially vulnerable to exploitation.

The vulnerability mechanism involves bypassing non-existent file type validation controls. Attackers can upload executable content by simply submitting files through the standard upload interface without any manipulation of headers or content types. Once uploaded, these files persist on the server and may be accessible to other users or directly executable depending on server configuration. For detailed technical information, refer to the IBM Support Document.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-39752

Indicators of Compromise

• Presence of unexpected executable files (.exe, .dll, .bat, .sh, .ps1) in upload directories
• Web shell files (.php, .jsp, .aspx) appearing in content storage locations
• Unusual file upload activity from external IP addresses or unauthenticated sessions
• Log entries showing uploads of files with executable or script extensions to Explore Content

Detection Strategies

• Implement file integrity monitoring on upload directories to detect unauthorized executable content
• Configure web application firewalls (WAF) to inspect and block uploads containing executable signatures
• Enable detailed logging for all file upload operations in IBM Analytics Content Hub
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions to identify malicious file execution attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Monitor file system events for creation of executable files in IBM Analytics Content Hub directories
• Track network traffic for suspicious upload patterns targeting the Explore Content endpoint
• Review authentication logs for anomalous access patterns preceding file uploads
• Set up alerts for any file uploads with executable extensions or suspicious MIME types

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-39752

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the security patch from IBM immediately for all affected versions (2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)
• Review and audit all files currently stored in the Explore Content directories for malicious content
• Implement network segmentation to limit access to IBM Analytics Content Hub from untrusted networks
• Enable additional logging and monitoring on affected systems pending patch deployment

Patch Information

IBM has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Administrators should obtain the patch from the IBM Support Document and apply it to all affected IBM Analytics Content Hub installations. The patch introduces proper file type validation to the Explore Content upload functionality.

Workarounds

• Implement a reverse proxy or WAF with file upload inspection to block executable content
• Restrict network access to the Explore Content functionality using firewall rules
• Disable file upload capabilities in Explore Content if not required for business operations
• Deploy server-side scripts to scan and quarantine uploaded files before they are processed

# Example: Configure web server to block executable uploads (Apache)
# Add to .htaccess or virtual host configuration
<Directory "/path/to/upload/directory">
    # Deny execution of scripts
    Options -ExecCGI
    RemoveHandler .php .php3 .php4 .php5 .phtml .exe .sh .bat
    
    # Block access to executable files
    <FilesMatch "\.(exe|dll|bat|sh|ps1|php|jsp|aspx)$">
        Require all denied
    </FilesMatch>
</Directory>