CVE-2020-16977: Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Overview

Severity
High (CVSS 7)
CVSS Vector
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C
Category
Remote Code Execution
Exploit Status
Not Exploited
Exploitation Likelihood
Less Likely
Patch Tuesday
2020-Oct
Released
2020-10-13
Last Updated
2021-02-24
EPSS Score
5.94% (percentile: 90.6%)

Description

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. 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. The update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way Visual Studio Code Python extension renders notebook content.

Affected Products (1)

Other

  • 11873

Security Updates (1)

Acknowledgments

Johann Rehberger of <a href="https://embracethered.com">WUNDERWUZZI, LLC</a> , <a href="https://github.com/pizzacat83">pizzacat83</a>

Revision History

  • 2020-10-13: Information published.
  • 2021-02-24: In the Security Updates table, corrected product name.