CVE-2020-1171

Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published May 21, 2020 CVSS 3.1 · 8.8 High EPSS 5.2% KEV · Not listed
Description
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.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension loads configuration files after opening a project, aka 'Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1192. 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.
Title Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
First Time appeared Microsoft visual Studio Code
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:visual_studio_code:*:*:*:*:*:python:*:*
Vendors & Products Microsoft visual Studio Code
References
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Microsoft python
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:visual_studio_code:*:*:*:*:*:python:*:* cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:python:*:*:*:*:*:visual_studio_code:*:*
Vendors & Products Microsoft visual Studio Code
Microsoft python
Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
microsoft
Published
Updated
Aug 19, 2026, 4:34 PM
Reserved
Nov 4, 2019, 12:00 AM
Status
Modified
Published
May 21, 2020, 11:15 PM
Modified
Aug 19, 2026, 5:17 PM