CVE-2026-69320: Visual Studio Code Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Overview

Severity
High (CVSS 8.8)
CVSS Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
Category
Remote Code Execution
Exploit Status
Not Exploited
Exploitation Likelihood
Unlikely
Patch Tuesday
2026-Aug
Released
2026-08-11

Description

Improper neutralization of special elements used in an os command ('os command injection') in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

FAQ

How could an attacker exploit this vulnerability? An attacker could craft a malicious link or web page and use social engineering to convince a user to open it in Visual Studio Code. Successful exploitation could result in code execution in the user's connected development environment. User interaction is required to open the attacker-supplied link, and no authentication is needed.

Affected Products (1)

Developer Tools

  • Visual Studio Code

Security Updates (1)

Acknowledgments

<a href="https://x.com/zemnmez">Thomas Neil James Shadwell (zemnmez)</a> with <a href="https://openai.com/">OpenAI</a>

Revision History

  • 2026-08-11: Information published.