CVE-2020-5741
HighExploitedPublic exploitDeserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code.
Published May 8, 2020 · Updated Oct 31, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-5741 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v3.1) affecting Media Server (Plex), Plex Media Server (Windows).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 27, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 73% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Media Server 1.19.3.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.2
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
73%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-5741 brief as a PDF
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Description
Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 10, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Feb 27, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 10, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 10, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Media ServerPlex | See advisory | 1.19.3 |
| Plex Media Server (Windows) | >= Versions prior to 1.19.3 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Media Server
1.19.3
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 8, 2020
Added to Industry KEV feed
Feb 27, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 10, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 10, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 10, 2023
Last updated
Oct 31, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data
References
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158470/Plex-Unpickle-Dict-Windows-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitMSF plex_unpickle_dict_rce.rb
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code.
Affected: Media Server (Plex); Plex Media Server (Windows) versions >= Versions prior to 1.19.3. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 27, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Mar 10, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 31, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Media Server 1.19.3.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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