CVE-2026-96656—Plex Media Server External Control of File Name or Path Vulnerability

Vulnerability Name

Plex Media Server External Control of File Name or Path Vulnerability

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.

Known To Be Used in Ransomware Campaigns?

Ransomware Status:

Unknown

Action

Apply 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.

Additional Notes

• https://forums.plex.tv/t/important-security-update-for-plex-media-server-v1-43-2-and-earlier/942319
• BOD 26-04: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk
• Forensics Triage Requirements: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-implementation-guidance-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96656

Related Weaknesses

• CWE-73