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Exploited vulnerability · CISA KEV

Is CVE-2026-96656 exploited? Yes: in CISA KEV since 20 Oct 2026

Gociux · Plex Media Server · data: CISA KEV, CVE record, FIRST EPSS

Yes. CVE-2026-96656, Plex Media Server External Control of File Name or Path Vulnerability, is being exploited in the wild. CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 20 Oct 2026, 27 days after it was published. It affects Plex Media Server. If you run it, CISA's required action is: 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.

exploitedYesCISA KEV · 20 Oct 2026
ransomwareNot knownno confirmed use
EPSSbelow top 10%lower predicted activity right now (it is still confirmed exploited)
severity7.2CVSS 3.1 · high
US federal due23 Oct 2026BOD 22-01 deadline

What it is

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.

VendorPlex (5 exploited CVEs in KEV)
ProductMedia Server
VulnerabilityPlex Media Server External Control of File Name or Path Vulnerability
WeaknessCWE-73
Published23 Sep 2026
Added to KEV20 Oct 2026
Reported by (CNA)cisa-cg

What to do

  1. Check whether you run it. Look for Media Server in your asset inventory, including appliances and cloud images. Stack check lists every exploited Plex CVE at once.
  2. Apply the fix. 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.
  3. If you can't patch today, take the affected service off the internet or restrict who can reach it, and check its logs for signs of compromise since 23 Sep 2026.
  4. Get told next time. Email alerts when CISA adds a CVE for Plex.

Other exploited CVEs in Media Server

References

Questions

Is CVE-2026-96656 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2026-96656 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 20 Oct 2026, which means there is reliable evidence of exploitation in the wild.

Is CVE-2026-96656 used in ransomware attacks?

CISA does not list known ransomware use for it. That can change, and exploitation alone is reason to fix it first.

How do I fix CVE-2026-96656?

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. Check Plex's advisory for the fixed versions, and if you can't patch quickly, restrict access to the affected Media Server and watch it for signs of compromise.

Sources: CISA KEV (exploitation, ransomware use, required action, due date), the CVE record (publication date, CVSS, CNA), NVD and FIRST EPSS (live score). More: all KEV additions in October 2026 · Plex scorecard · act-now radar.

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