CVE-2020-5741KEV · OVERDUE

Plex Media Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published May 8, 2020

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.2. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.4th percentile for exploit probability.

1303
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.2
EPSS
73%
Percentile
99.4
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A remote, authenticated attacker can execute arbitrary Python code on your Plex Media Server with just a deserialization flaw! 🔥 Think of it like a delivery service that accepts any package without checking its contents — an attacker could slip in anything they want, including malicious scripts! 📦 This could lead to complete control over your Plex Media Server, allowing attackers to manipulate your media, access sensitive information, or spread malware. The damage could be absolutely devastating, turning your media hub into a tool for exploitation!

Put simply

Think of it like a delivery service that accepts any package without checking its contents — an attacker could slip in anything they want, including malicious scripts! 📦 CVE-2020-5741 is a deserialization vulnerability that allows an authenticated attacker to inject and execute arbitrary Python code by sending specially crafted data to the Plex Media Server, bypassing normal security mechanisms.

What to do

This could lead to complete control over your Plex Media Server, allowing attackers to manipulate your media, access sensitive information, or spread malware. The damage could be absolutely devastating, turning your media hub into a tool for exploitation! Immediately update your Plex Media Server to the latest version, which patches this vulnerability. Additionally, review your user access controls to ensure only trusted users have access to your server. Always sanitize data before processing! You've got this! Follow these steps, and your Plex Media Server will be fortified in no time! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.2 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.72750 · 99.4th percentile
Published
2020-05-08T12:02Z
KEV added
2023-03-10 · due 2023-03-31
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 10 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Mar 31
    kev
  • 08 MAY 12:02Z
    Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code
    cvelistv5