CVE-2020-1192 Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High 7.8 Published 21 May 2020 Updated 19 Aug 2026

Attackers can execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening a crafted notebook file in VS Code with the Python extension.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2020-1192?

CVE-2020-1192 is a high-severity code injection vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio Code, published on 21 May 2020. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension loads workspace settings from a 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 address the vulnerability by modifying the way Visual Studio Code Python extension enforces user settings.

Which versions are affected by CVE-2020-1192?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Microsoft Python.

How do I fix CVE-2020-1192?

No fix has been published for CVE-2020-1192 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and never evaluate templates, expressions or code built from user input. More about Code injection.

Is CVE-2020-1192 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2020-1192 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-7c3q-gqj2-m85j.