CVE-2020-5740

Name: CVE-2020-5740
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-04-22T16:15:13.027+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.75%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-5740 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Improper Input Validation in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a local, unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code with SYSTEM privileges.. EPSS estimates a 0.75% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Improper Input Validation in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a local, unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code with SYSTEM privileges.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.75%

50.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-427

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Plex	Media Server	< 1.19.1.2701

References

https://www.tenable.com/security/research/tra-2020-25Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.tenable.com/security/research/tra-2020-25Exploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Apr 22, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-5740?

Improper Input Validation in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a local, unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code with SYSTEM privileges.

How severe is CVE-2020-5740?

CVE-2020-5740 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.75% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-5740?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-5740?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST