CVE-2026-121664: Visual Studio Code Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
CVE-2026-121664 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Visual Studio Code, rated Important by Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.3 (High). An attacker can exploit it remotely over the network, without any privileges and only if a user takes an action. Microsoft has not reported exploitation in the wild and rates exploitation as less likely. Microsoft released the fix on 10 November 2026 in the November 2026 Patch Tuesday. It affects 1 product in 1 product family (Developer Tools).
Key facts
- CVE ID
- CVE-2026-121664
- Severity
- High CVSS 8.3
- Microsoft severity
- Important
- Impact
- Remote Code Execution
- Exploited in the wild
- No
- Publicly disclosed
- No
- Exploitation likelihood
- Less Likely
- Weakness
- CWE-79
- CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Released
- Last updated
- Patch Tuesday
- November 2026 Patch Tuesday
- Product families
- Developer Tools
CVSS score and vector
Microsoft scores CVE-2026-121664 at 8.3 (temporal 7.2) using CVSS 3.1. Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Attack vector | Network |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges required | None |
| User interaction | Required |
| Scope | Changed |
| Confidentiality impact | High |
| Integrity impact | High |
| Availability impact | High |
| Exploit code maturity | Unproven |
| Remediation level | Official fix |
| Report confidence | Confirmed |
Description
Improper neutralization of input during web page generation ('cross-site scripting') in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
Frequently asked questions (Microsoft)
How could an attacker exploit this vulnerability?
A remote attacker could convince a user to open a specially crafted extension's details page in Visual Studio Code and select a malicious link. Successful exploitation could allow the attacker to execute code in the context of the user without installing the extension. The attacker does not need privileges on the user's system.
According to the CVSS metric, the attack complexity is high (AC:H). What does that mean for this vulnerability?
Successful exploitation depends on specific conditions in the user's Visual Studio Code environment, including an already-open integrated terminal. The attacker must also rely on the user viewing the affected extension's details page in a particular platform-compatibility state.
Affected products (1)
Developer Tools
| Product | Security update | Type | Fixed build | Restart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Studio Code | Release Notes | Security Update | 1.145.3 |
NIST NVD data
- NVD status
- Awaiting Analysis
- NVD CVSS
- 8.3 (HIGH)
- NVD weakness
- CWE-79
- Published to NVD
- NVD last modified
References
Acknowledgments
- kayiz with Lien Phat Technology Corporation
- Starkwolfsec
Revision history
| Version | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Information published. |