Arbitrary CMD Exec via JavaDoc Hover in VSCode Java Ext (CVE-2026-12856)
CVE-2026-12856 Published on June 29, 2026
Vscode-java: vscode: command injection vulnerability in the javadoc hover provider of the vscode-java extension
A flaw was found in the vscode-java extension, which provides Java language support for Visual Studio Code. The extension incorrectly trusts all Markdown content in JavaDoc hovers, allowing a malicious Java file to include hidden commands. If a user clicks a specially crafted link within a JavaDoc hover popup, an attacker can execute arbitrary VS Code commands, which can lead to full system compromise in trusted workspaces.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-12856 is exploitable with network access, requires user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Timeline
Reported to Red Hat.
Made public. 9 days later.
Weakness Type
What is an Argument Injection Vulnerability?
The software constructs a string for a command to executed by a separate component in another control sphere, but it does not properly delimit the intended arguments, options, or switches within that command string.
CVE-2026-12856 has been classified to as an Argument Injection vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-12856
Want to know whenever a new CVE is published for Red Hat Openshift Devspaces? stack.watch will email you.
