CVE-2025-69416: CWE-863 Incorrect Authorization in Plex plex.tv backend
In the plex.tv backend for Plex Media Server (PMS) through 2025-12-31, a non-server device token can retrieve other tokens (intended for unrelated access) via clients.plex.tv/devices.xml.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-69416 is an authorization vulnerability classified under CWE-863 found in the plex.tv backend service used by Plex Media Server (PMS). The vulnerability allows an attacker possessing a non-server device token to retrieve other device tokens that are intended for unrelated access. This is achieved by querying the clients.plex.tv/devices.xml endpoint, which improperly authorizes requests, thereby exposing device tokens that should remain confidential. Device tokens are used to authenticate devices to the Plex backend, and unauthorized access to these tokens could allow attackers to impersonate devices or gain unauthorized access to media content or services associated with those tokens. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require possession of a device token, implying some level of prior access or compromise. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.0 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, no user interaction, and limited confidentiality impact without integrity or availability effects. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. This issue highlights a failure in access control mechanisms within the Plex backend, specifically in the authorization logic governing device token retrieval.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-69416 primarily concerns confidentiality risks related to unauthorized disclosure of device tokens. Organizations using Plex Media Server in multi-user or shared environments could see unauthorized access to device tokens, potentially enabling attackers to impersonate devices and access media content or services without proper authorization. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise data integrity or system availability, the exposure of tokens could facilitate further attacks or unauthorized data access. This risk is particularly relevant for enterprises or institutions that rely on Plex for media distribution or internal streaming services. The medium severity score indicates a moderate risk, but the scope could widen if attackers leverage exposed tokens for lateral movement or privilege escalation within networks. Given the popularity of Plex in Europe, especially among tech-savvy users and organizations offering media services, the vulnerability could affect a significant user base if exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2025-69416, organizations should implement strict access controls on the clients.plex.tv/devices.xml endpoint, ensuring only authorized server components or trusted devices can query device tokens. Network segmentation and firewall rules can restrict access to the Plex backend API from untrusted networks or devices. Monitoring and logging access to device tokens should be enhanced to detect unusual or unauthorized retrieval attempts. Organizations should enforce strong authentication and token management policies, including regular token rotation and revocation of unused or compromised tokens. Until an official patch is released by Plex, consider disabling remote access features or limiting device token issuance to trusted devices only. Engage with Plex support or security advisories to obtain updates and apply patches promptly once available. Additionally, educating users about the risks of sharing device tokens and credentials can reduce exposure.
Affected Countries
Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland
CVE-2025-69416: CWE-863 Incorrect Authorization in Plex plex.tv backend
Description
In the plex.tv backend for Plex Media Server (PMS) through 2025-12-31, a non-server device token can retrieve other tokens (intended for unrelated access) via clients.plex.tv/devices.xml.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-69416 is an authorization vulnerability classified under CWE-863 found in the plex.tv backend service used by Plex Media Server (PMS). The vulnerability allows an attacker possessing a non-server device token to retrieve other device tokens that are intended for unrelated access. This is achieved by querying the clients.plex.tv/devices.xml endpoint, which improperly authorizes requests, thereby exposing device tokens that should remain confidential. Device tokens are used to authenticate devices to the Plex backend, and unauthorized access to these tokens could allow attackers to impersonate devices or gain unauthorized access to media content or services associated with those tokens. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require possession of a device token, implying some level of prior access or compromise. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.0 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, no user interaction, and limited confidentiality impact without integrity or availability effects. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. This issue highlights a failure in access control mechanisms within the Plex backend, specifically in the authorization logic governing device token retrieval.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-69416 primarily concerns confidentiality risks related to unauthorized disclosure of device tokens. Organizations using Plex Media Server in multi-user or shared environments could see unauthorized access to device tokens, potentially enabling attackers to impersonate devices and access media content or services without proper authorization. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise data integrity or system availability, the exposure of tokens could facilitate further attacks or unauthorized data access. This risk is particularly relevant for enterprises or institutions that rely on Plex for media distribution or internal streaming services. The medium severity score indicates a moderate risk, but the scope could widen if attackers leverage exposed tokens for lateral movement or privilege escalation within networks. Given the popularity of Plex in Europe, especially among tech-savvy users and organizations offering media services, the vulnerability could affect a significant user base if exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2025-69416, organizations should implement strict access controls on the clients.plex.tv/devices.xml endpoint, ensuring only authorized server components or trusted devices can query device tokens. Network segmentation and firewall rules can restrict access to the Plex backend API from untrusted networks or devices. Monitoring and logging access to device tokens should be enhanced to detect unusual or unauthorized retrieval attempts. Organizations should enforce strong authentication and token management policies, including regular token rotation and revocation of unused or compromised tokens. Until an official patch is released by Plex, consider disabling remote access features or limiting device token issuance to trusted devices only. Engage with Plex support or security advisories to obtain updates and apply patches promptly once available. Additionally, educating users about the risks of sharing device tokens and credentials can reduce exposure.
Affected Countries
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- mitre
- Date Reserved
- 2026-01-02T16:52:56.748Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6957f952db813ff03ef5aecf
Added to database: 1/2/2026, 4:58:58 PM
Last enriched: 1/2/2026, 7:15:12 PM
Last updated: 1/7/2026, 4:12:43 AM
Views: 46
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