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CVE-2020-16977

Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

7.0 High

CVE-2020-16977 is a high vulnerability (CVSS 7.0) in Microsoft Visual Studio Code, published October 16, 2020. No source lists public exploit code. EPSS puts the chance of exploitation in the next 30 days at 3.35%, the 88th percentile. No source names a fixed version.

<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>

Attack profile

How easy it is to exploit

Attack vector
Local
Complexity
High
Privileges needed
None
User interaction
Required

What an attacker can affect

Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High

Exploit likelihood

3.35%Down 6.2 points since Apr 14, 2021
90%50%10%1%

What each source reports

CVE List Score used 7.0

Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

<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>

Record
CVE-2020-16977
CVSS 3.1
7.0 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C
Updated
2026-11-02
EUVDEUVD-2020-8934 7.0

<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>

Record
EUVD-2020-8934
CVSS 3.1
7.0 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C
Updated
2026-11-03
GitHub AdvisoriesGHSA-f757-5gm7-m88x 7.0

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension...

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension loads a Jupyter notebook file, aka 'Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'.

Record
GHSA-f757-5gm7-m88x
CVSS 3.1
7.0 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Updated
2026-11-02
NVD 7.0

<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>

Record
CVE-2020-16977
CVSS 3.1
7.0 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS 3.1
7.8 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS 2.0
9.3 HighAV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Updated
2026-11-02

Affected products

History

History
WhenChangedSources
2026-11-03aliasesEUVD
2026-11-02createdCVE List, GitHub Advisories, NVD

References

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