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TI-2020-01135 Aliases CVE-2020-1171GHSA-v7q9-qwmc-9665

Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Priority MEDIUM 46Published · Updated

Key facts

Attack vector
Network
Privileges required
None
User interaction
Required
Attack complexity
Low
Impact type
—
Confidentiality · integrity · availability
High · High · High
Fix status
Fixed

Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · NVD. Fix status from CNA.

Summary

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.

Why it matters now

EPSS 0.05211 92nd percentileScored 2026-11-07
Fix Fixed Python extension for Visual Studio Code (Microsoft): publication

SSVC decision points

Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.

Affected products

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed inStatusSource
MicrosoftPython extension for Visual Studio Code2020 to before publicationpublicationPatch availableCNA
  • Python extension for Visual Studio Code VendorMicrosoft Affected 2020 to before publication Fixed in publication Patch available CNA

CPE configurations NVD · 1

CPEVersionsRoleVendor
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:python:*:*:*:*:*:visual_studio_code:*:*before 2020.5.0VulnerableMicrosoft
  • cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:python:*:*:*:*:*:visual_studio_code:*:* Versions before 2020.5.0 Vulnerable ·Microsoft

Remediation

  • Fix · CNA Python extension for Visual Studio Code (Microsoft) Fixed in publication

Timeline

  1. 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2020-1171
  2. 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-v7q9-qwmc-9665

References

Patch 2

  • TI-2024-32717 Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVSS 3.1HIGH 8.8
  • TI-2020-01156 Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVSS 3.1HIGH 7.8
  • TI-2020-13129 Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVSS 3.1HIGH 7.8
  • TI-2026-39690 Visual Studio Code Python Extension Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability CVSS 3.1HIGH 7.8
  • TI-2025-31684 Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVSS 3.1HIGH 7.8

Sources

This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences