CVE-2020-1171: microsoft python
Vulnerability summary
CVE-2020-1171 is a high (CVSS 9.3) vulnerability in microsoft python. EPSS estimates a 5.21% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 92.4% of scored vulnerabilities.
Timeline
- 21-05-2020PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
- 19-08-2026Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.
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.
CVSS metrics
2 scores · 1 source · 2 versionsEPSS trend
Probability
5.21%
Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days
Percentile
92%
Versus all other CVEs
30-day change
+0.17 pp
From 5.04% on 21-09-2026
Known exploited
Compare KEV catalogsNot in any of the 3 tracked catalogs.
Public exploits
0 foundNo public exploits indexed.
Weaknesses
CWE · root causeNo weakness data has been published for this record.
Affected systems
Microsoft2 products
- python< 2020.5.0
- python extension for visual studio code≥ 2020, < publication
1 vendor · 2 products
References
2 links
- portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1171X Refsource MISCX TransferredPatchVendor Advisory