Zero Radar
← feed
CriticalVulnerabilityCVE-2026-96654updated 25 Oct 2026, 17:20 UTC

Plex Media Server flaw lets attackers run plugin functions via crafted links

A flaw in Plex Media Server's web page lets an attacker trick it into running hidden functions in its plugins, using specially crafted web addresses. Attackers are already using it, so update quickly.

Exploited (CISA KEV)Fix availableOfficial, 2 sources
SeverityCriticalCVSS 6.9 of 10
Being exploited?YesConfirmed by CISA KEV · 20 Oct 2026
Fix available?YesPlex Media Server 1.43.3.10861 or later · since 25 Oct 2026
How sure is this?Official, 2 sourcesBacked by an official source

How the attack works simplified

  1. 1Attacker crafts URLMalicious link targets the web page
  2. 2Server processes inputURL values to 'searchOne' not sanitized
  3. 3Plugin function calledAttacker chooses function and parameters
  4. 4Unintended actions runMay be chained with other flaws
  5. ResultAttacker controls plugin actions on server

What happened

Plex Media Server versions before 1.43.3.10861 do not properly neutralize URL values passed to 'searchOne', allowing an attacker to call other plugins' functions and supply their own parameters. The flaw can be chained with CVE-2026-96652, CVE-2026-96655, and CVE-2026-96656.

Why it is dangerous: A successful attack can make the server perform actions it should not, and chaining with other flaws may increase the damage. Anyone running an exposed, unpatched Plex Media Server is at risk.

Are you affected?

You are affected if you run Plex Media Server older than 1.43.3.10861, especially if it is reachable from the internet.

Plex Media Server before 1.43.3.10861

What to do

  1. Update Plex Media Server to version 1.43.3.10861 or later
  2. Check whether the server is reachable from the internet and restrict access if it is not needed
  3. Follow CISA's Forensics Triage Requirements if you suspect the server was compromised
  4. Review the related CVE-2026-96652, CVE-2026-96655, and CVE-2026-96656 and patch them as well

Timeline

  1. 23 Sept 2026, 18:31 UTC
    Publicly disclosed
  2. 20 Oct 2026, 00:00 UTC
    Reported by CISA KEV · CISA KEV
  3. 25 Oct 2026, 17:20 UTC
    GitHub Advisory reported on it · GitHub Advisory
  4. 25 Oct 2026, 17:20 UTC
    Fix: Plex Media Server 1.43.3.10861 or later

Sources 2 reports, oldest first

Official vendor, government CERT or advisory database

Technical details

ID
CVE-2026-96654 · GHSA-3j7c-jr86-m5jq
CVSS
6.9 / 10
EPSS
1.9% chance of exploitation within 30 days
Disclosed
23 Sept 2026, 18:31 UTC
On Zero Radar
before the radar started
Last change
25 Oct 2026, 17:20 UTC

The plain-language parts and the attack diagram were written by an AI model (anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5) from the sources above. Facts like versions, exploitation and dates come from the sources themselves. How Zero Radar works

Plex Media Server flaw lets attackers run plugin functions via crafted links · Zero Radar