CVE-2020-16977 HIGH

CVE-2020-16977: Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Vendor Microsoft
Product Python extension for Visual Studio Code
Published October 16, 2020
Last update August 4, 2024

CVSS base score

7.0/10
Attack vector Local
Attack complexity High
Privileges required None
User interaction Required
Confidentiality High
Integrity High

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C

What the vulnerability does

Description

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension loads a Jupyter 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way Visual Studio Code Python extension renders notebook content.</p>

Key dates

Disclosure timeline

October 16, 2020 CVE published
August 4, 2024 Record updated