All vulnerabilities
CVE-2026-96656

Plex Media Server External Control of File Name or Path Vulnerability

Plex Media ServerApplications & CMS
Open in ThreatlineRecord JSON
CVSS
8.6High
ExploitationExploited in the wildAdded to KEV 20 Oct 2026CISA KEV
Exploit odds (EPSS)0.82%Chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 56% of CVEs. Scored 23 Oct 2026FIRST EPSS
Fixed in1.43.3.10861Fixed versionCVE List
Federal deadline23 Oct 2026Remediation due date for US federal agenciesCISA KEV
CISA required actionApply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines. CISA KEV
Patching is not enoughCISA requires federal agencies to look for signs of compromise on affected systems, not only patch (forensic triage under BOD 26-04). Treat exposed systems as possibly compromised. CISA guidance

What fixes it

A fixed version on one release line is not the upgrade target for every line. Check your exact version and any vendor backports.

Timeline

  1. 23 Sep 2026, 16:07 UTCPublishedCVE List
  2. 20 Oct 2026, 12:00 UTCFirst reported exploitedCISA advisories
  3. 20 Oct 2026Added to CISA KEVCISA KEV

Vendor and government advisories 1

Vendors that say their products are affected, and agencies that issued alerts. Check each for the fixed release of the product you run.

Reports 4

2 outlets report exploitation. Reports are not confirmation; each links to its source.

Description

Plex Media Server contains an external control of file name or path vulnerability which can allow an admin user to write arbitrary files that may be executed on load. This vulnerability can be chained with CVE-2026-96652, CVE-2026-96654, and CVE-2026-96655.

Text from CVE List

Affected versions 2

  • Media Serveraffected: all versions before 1.43.3.10861CVE List
  • Media Serverunaffected: 1.43.3.10861CVE List

References 8