Vulnerability · Published May 21, 2020 · Assigned by microsoft
CVE-2020-1171Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
High 8.8
In plain English
A high-severity security flaw in Python extension for Visual Studio Code from Microsoft. There are no confirmed reports of exploitation so far. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 5.2% (higher than 93% of all known vulnerabilities).
Official description
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension loads configuration files after opening a project. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to convince a target to clone a repository and open it in Visual Studio Code with the Python extension installed. Attacker-specified code would execute when the target opened the integrated terminal. The update address the vulnerability by modifying the way Visual Studio Code Python extension handles environment variables.
Affected products (as reported)
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Python extension for Visual Studio Code | 2020 – before publication |
References
- Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability vendor-advisory, patch
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1171 x_refsource_MISC, x_transferred