May 2020: Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
CVE-2020-1171 Published on May 21, 2020
Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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.
Products Associated with CVE-2020-1171
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Affected Versions
Microsoft Python extension for Visual Studio Code:- Version 2020 and below publication is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.