Vulnerability identifier: #VU47619

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 6.5 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-16977

CWE-ID: CWE-94

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Visual Studio Code
Universal components / Libraries / Software for developers

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension loads a Jupyter notebook file. A remote attacker can trick a victim to open a specially crafted file and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Visual Studio Code: All versions

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External links
http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16977

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.