CVE-2025-69417: 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 share tokens (intended for unrelated access) via a shared_servers endpoint.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-69417 is an authorization vulnerability classified under CWE-863 affecting the plex.tv backend component of Plex Media Server (PMS). The issue allows a device authenticated with a non-server device token to access share tokens via the shared_servers API endpoint. Share tokens are intended to grant access to shared media resources, and improper authorization checks permit retrieval of tokens unrelated to the requesting device. This flaw stems from insufficient validation of device token privileges, enabling unauthorized disclosure of share tokens. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without user interaction and requires only low-level privileges (device token with limited rights). The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.0 (medium severity), reflecting a network attack vector, low attack complexity, and partial confidentiality impact without affecting integrity or availability. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the flaw could be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to shared media content, potentially exposing sensitive or private media data. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plex.tv backend through the end of 2025, indicating a need for timely remediation. The shared_servers endpoint is the attack surface, and the flaw is rooted in incorrect authorization logic that fails to properly segregate access tokens between devices. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict access control enforcement in multi-device media sharing platforms.
Potential Impact
For European organizations using Plex Media Server, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of shared media access tokens, compromising confidentiality of shared content. Organizations that rely on Plex for internal media sharing or collaboration may face privacy breaches if attackers exploit this flaw to access sensitive media files. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the exposure of share tokens could lead to unauthorized viewing or distribution of proprietary or personal media. This risk is particularly relevant for media companies, educational institutions, and enterprises using Plex for content distribution. Additionally, attackers could use the exposed tokens as a foothold to further probe or pivot within the network. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate risk level, but the ease of remote exploitation and lack of user interaction increase the urgency of mitigation. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in reputational damage and potential regulatory scrutiny under European data protection laws if personal data is exposed.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately audit and restrict device token issuance and permissions within Plex environments to minimize exposure. 2. Monitor access logs for unusual or unauthorized requests to the shared_servers endpoint. 3. Implement network segmentation to isolate Plex backend servers from untrusted devices. 4. Enforce strict access control policies and validate device tokens rigorously on the backend. 5. Apply vendor patches or updates promptly once released to address this authorization flaw. 6. Consider disabling or limiting shared media features temporarily if feasible until a fix is available. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risk of token leakage and encourage strong authentication practices. 8. Use intrusion detection systems to flag anomalous API calls targeting Plex backend endpoints. 9. Regularly review and revoke unused or stale share tokens to reduce attack surface. 10. Engage with Plex support or security advisories to stay informed on remediation progress and best practices.
Affected Countries
Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Spain
CVE-2025-69417: 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 share tokens (intended for unrelated access) via a shared_servers endpoint.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-69417 is an authorization vulnerability classified under CWE-863 affecting the plex.tv backend component of Plex Media Server (PMS). The issue allows a device authenticated with a non-server device token to access share tokens via the shared_servers API endpoint. Share tokens are intended to grant access to shared media resources, and improper authorization checks permit retrieval of tokens unrelated to the requesting device. This flaw stems from insufficient validation of device token privileges, enabling unauthorized disclosure of share tokens. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without user interaction and requires only low-level privileges (device token with limited rights). The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.0 (medium severity), reflecting a network attack vector, low attack complexity, and partial confidentiality impact without affecting integrity or availability. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the flaw could be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to shared media content, potentially exposing sensitive or private media data. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plex.tv backend through the end of 2025, indicating a need for timely remediation. The shared_servers endpoint is the attack surface, and the flaw is rooted in incorrect authorization logic that fails to properly segregate access tokens between devices. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict access control enforcement in multi-device media sharing platforms.
Potential Impact
For European organizations using Plex Media Server, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of shared media access tokens, compromising confidentiality of shared content. Organizations that rely on Plex for internal media sharing or collaboration may face privacy breaches if attackers exploit this flaw to access sensitive media files. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the exposure of share tokens could lead to unauthorized viewing or distribution of proprietary or personal media. This risk is particularly relevant for media companies, educational institutions, and enterprises using Plex for content distribution. Additionally, attackers could use the exposed tokens as a foothold to further probe or pivot within the network. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate risk level, but the ease of remote exploitation and lack of user interaction increase the urgency of mitigation. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in reputational damage and potential regulatory scrutiny under European data protection laws if personal data is exposed.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately audit and restrict device token issuance and permissions within Plex environments to minimize exposure. 2. Monitor access logs for unusual or unauthorized requests to the shared_servers endpoint. 3. Implement network segmentation to isolate Plex backend servers from untrusted devices. 4. Enforce strict access control policies and validate device tokens rigorously on the backend. 5. Apply vendor patches or updates promptly once released to address this authorization flaw. 6. Consider disabling or limiting shared media features temporarily if feasible until a fix is available. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risk of token leakage and encourage strong authentication practices. 8. Use intrusion detection systems to flag anomalous API calls targeting Plex backend endpoints. 9. Regularly review and revoke unused or stale share tokens to reduce attack surface. 10. Engage with Plex support or security advisories to stay informed on remediation progress and best practices.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- mitre
- Date Reserved
- 2026-01-02T16:55:17.936Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6957fcc6db813ff03ef64b04
Added to database: 1/2/2026, 5:13:42 PM
Last enriched: 1/2/2026, 5:28:50 PM
Last updated: 1/7/2026, 3:47:29 AM
Views: 60
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