CVE-2020-16977: microsoft python extension for visual studio code
Vulnerability summary
CVE-2020-16977 is a high (CVSS 9.3) vulnerability in microsoft python extension for visual studio code. EPSS estimates a 3.35% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 88.5% of scored vulnerabilities.
Timeline
- 16-10-2020PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
- 04-08-2024Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.
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>
CVSS metrics
3 scores · 2 sources · 2 versions- NVDNIST7.0HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS trend
Probability
3.35%
Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days
Percentile
89%
Versus all other CVEs
30-day change
0.00 pp
From 3.35% on 19-09-2026
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 extension for visual studio code≥ 2020, < publication
- visual studio codena
1 vendor · 2 products
References
1 links
portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16977X Refsource MISCPatchVendor Advisory