CVE-2020-5741

Name: CVE-2020-5741
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-05-08T13:15:11.137+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.2/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 72.94%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-5741 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.2/10 on the CVSS scale. Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 72.94% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Plex Media Server on Windows allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary Python code.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.2/10

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

EPSS Probability

72.94%

99.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Mar 31, 2023.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Plex	Media Server	< 1.19.3

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158470/Plex-Unpickle-Dict-Windows-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.tenable.com/security/research/tra-2020-32Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158470/Plex-Unpickle-Dict-Windows-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.tenable.com/security/research/tra-2020-32Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-5741US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: May 8, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-5741?

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 has a CVSS score of 7.2/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 72.94% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2020-5741?

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-2020-5741?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST