Vulnerability · Published May 21, 2020 · Assigned by microsoft

CVE-2020-1192Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High 7.8

In plain English

A high-severity security flaw in 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 4.3% (higher than 91% of all known vulnerabilities).

Severity (CVSS NVD)7.8High
Exploit odds (30 days)4.3%top 8.9% of all CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo reportsnot in CISA KEV
Attack toolingNoneno public tooling known

Official description

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension loads workspace settings from a notebook file. 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 open a specially crafted file in Visual Studio Code with the Python extension installed. The update address the vulnerability by modifying the way Visual Studio Code Python extension enforces user settings.

Affected products (as reported)

VendorProductVersions
Microsoft Visual Studio Code 1.0.0 – before publication

References