CVE-2026-96656

Plex Media Server exploited vulnerability, confirmed exploited in the wild.

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.

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1.8%chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS), 78th percentile

20 Octadded to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list, 2026

23 Octfederal remediation deadline, already passed

Passedpast the deadline: patch now

CISA's name for it	Plex Media Server External Control of File Name or Path Vulnerability
Vendor and product	Plex · Media Server
Type	exploited vulnerability · CWE-73
Exploited	Confirmed by CISA listed 20 October 2026
Likelihood	more likely to be exploited than most
Deadline	23 October 2026 · already passed
Used in ransomware	Not reported
Advisories	forums.plex.tv ↗ · www.cisa.gov ↗ · www.cisa.gov ↗ · nvd.nist.gov ↗

What to do

Three steps, in this order

Step 1

Apply the vendor's fix or mitigation; CISA lists only vulnerabilities seen exploited.

Step 2

If you cannot patch now, restrict network access to the affected product.

Step 3

Check for signs of compromise since the date it was added to the list.

CISA's required 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.

CISA's required 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.

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Questions

CVE-2026-96656 in short

Is CVE-2026-96656 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2026-96656 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 20 October 2026, which it does only on evidence of exploitation in the wild.

What is the CISA deadline for CVE-2026-96656?

US federal agencies must remediate it by 23 October 2026. Everyone else should treat that date as the latest safe point to patch an internet-facing system.

How likely is CVE-2026-96656 to be exploited in the next 30 days?

FIRST's Exploit Prediction Scoring System gives it 1.8%, the 78th percentile of every CVE it scores.

How do I fix CVE-2026-96656?

Apply the vendor's fix or mitigation; CISA lists only vulnerabilities seen exploited. If you cannot patch now, restrict network access to the affected product. Check for signs of compromise since the date it was added to the list.

Same vendor

Other Plex vulnerabilities being exploited

CVE	Product	Type	Listed
CVE-2026-96655	Media Server	server-side request forgery	20 October 2026
CVE-2026-96654	Media Server	exploited vulnerability	20 October 2026
CVE-2026-96652	Media Server	server-side request forgery	20 October 2026

Sources: CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue (released 10 November 2026) and FIRST EPSS. Page compiled automatically by SAK T.L.M, the threat-intelligence tool of SAK T.E.C, on 13 November 2026.