CVE-2020-5741
KEVPlex Media Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
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.
Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code.
CVSS 3.1 vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HPublishedMay 8, 2020
Last modifiedJun 17, 2026
Added to KEVMar 10, 2023
Remediation dueMar 31, 2023
References
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/158470/Plex-Unpickle-Dict-Windows-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploitThird Party Advisory
- tenable.com/security/research/tra-2020-32ExploitThird Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-5741US Government Resource
0 recent articles mention this CVE
73
Risk assessment · High
Actively exploited. Patch immediately.
- Exploitation
- Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Federal remediation deadline
- Overdue by 1306 days
- CVSS
- 7.2 HIGH
- EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
- 72.8% · top 1% of all CVEs
- Weakness
- CWE-502
- Attack vector
- Network, remotely reachable
Recommended actions
- 1.Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
- 3.Review exposure: confirm which instances are reachable from the internet and restrict access until patched.
- 4.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.
Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.