CVE-2020-5741
Plex Media Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Plex Media Server
Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 10 March 2023. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 31 March 2023.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 72.9%, which is higher than 99.5% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2020-5741 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2020-5741.
What does CVE-2020-5741 affect?
CVE-2020-5741 affects Plex Media Server. Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code.
How severe is CVE-2020-5741?
CVE-2020-5741 is rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.2. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 72.9%, higher than 99.5% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 31 March 2023.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2020-5741?
Apply the vendor patch for Plex Media Server as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.