CVE-2026-54981: Visual Studio Code Python Extension Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
CVE-2026-54981 is a security feature bypass vulnerability in Visual Studio Code Python Extension, rated Important by Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (High). An attacker can exploit it by an attacker with local access, 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. The EPSS model estimates a 0.47% probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 41% of all scored vulnerabilities. Microsoft released the fix on 11 August 2026 in the August 2026 Patch Tuesday. It affects 1 product in 1 product family (Developer Tools).
Key facts
- CVE ID
- CVE-2026-54981
- Severity
- High CVSS 7.8
- Microsoft severity
- Important
- Impact
- Security Feature Bypass
- Exploited in the wild
- No
- Publicly disclosed
- No
- Exploitation likelihood
- Less Likely
- Weakness
- CWE-693; CWE-829
- EPSS
- 0.47% (percentile 41%)
- CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Released
- Last updated
- Patch Tuesday
- August 2026 Patch Tuesday
- Product families
- Developer Tools
CVSS score and vector
Microsoft scores CVE-2026-54981 at 7.8 (temporal 6.8) using CVSS 3.1. Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges required | None |
| User interaction | Required |
| Scope | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality impact | High |
| Integrity impact | High |
| Availability impact | High |
| Exploit code maturity | Unproven |
| Remediation level | Official fix |
| Report confidence | Confirmed |
Description
Inclusion of functionality from untrusted control sphere in Visual Studio Code - Python extension allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature locally.
Frequently asked questions (Microsoft)
According to the CVSS metric, the attack vector is local (AV:L) but no privileges are required (PR:N) and user interaction is required (UI:R). How could an attacker exploit this security feature bypass vulnerability?
The attack itself is carried out locally by a user with authentication to the targeted system. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by convincing a victim, through social engineering, to download and open a specially crafted file from a website which could lead to a local attack on the victim computer.
Affected products (1)
Developer Tools
| Product | Security update | Type | Fixed build | Restart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Python extension for Visual Studio Code | Security update | Security Update | 2026.3.1 | Maybe |
NIST NVD data
Affected configurations (CPE)
| Product | Vulnerable versions |
|---|---|
| visual studio code | before 1.132.1 |
References
- https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-54981 (Vendor Advisory)
Acknowledgments
Revision history
| Version | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Information published. | |
| 2.0 | Affected software updated with new package information. | |
| 2.1 | Updated the fixed version information and download link. The fix was previously believed to be included in Dynamics 365 Server (on-premises) version 6.2; however, it has been confirmed that the fix is included in Dynamics 365 Server v9.1 (on-premises) Update 1.45 (version 9.1.0045.0011). The download link, release notes, and build number has been updated accordingly in the Security Updates table. This is an informational change only. |