CVE-2020-16977

Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

HIGH
7
CVSS Score
Published: October 16, 2020 at 10:18 PM UTC
Updated: June 17, 2026 at 02:58 AM UTC
2 products affected across 1 vendorVisual Studio CodePython

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Severity
HIGH7
Exploit prediction
EPSS 3%

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>

Affected

Our own answer: ranges merged, affected separated from platform-only, with confidence and review flags.

2020 ≤ v < publication2020
Affected range stops below publication, so it looks safe — our inference, not a vendor statement

Remediation

No guide yet

No remediation guidance has been written for this CVE yet. What the record does show:

CVSS

7HIGHmicrosoft
Vector?

Quick Info

StatusMODIFIED
CWE
NVD-CWE-noinfo

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