IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS7.2
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2020-5741|Auth: high — administrative privileges|Reboot: required|Manual only

Plex Media Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Plex Media Server contains a remote code execution vulnerability that allows an attacker with access to the server administrator's Plex account to upload a malicious file via the Camera Upload feature and have the media server execute it.

Published May 8, 2020 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, with administrative privileges, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2023-03-31 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Deserialization of Untrusted Data (CWE-502) vulnerability in Plex Media Server. Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code. Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, an administrative account, and no user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running media server: v < 1.19.3
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

Active exploitation documented in the wild. Threat-research write-up: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158470/Plex-Unpickle-Dict-Windows-Remote-Code-Execution.html

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://forums.plex.tv/t/security-regarding-cve-2020-5741/586819
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-5741
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-5741
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