CVE-2020-16977 Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Attackers can execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious Jupyter notebooks 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-2020-16977?
CVE-2020-16977 is a high-severity code injection vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio Code, published on 16 Oct 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
<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way Visual Studio Code Python extension renders notebook content.</p>
Which versions are affected by CVE-2020-16977?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Microsoft Visual Studio Code.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16977?
No fix has been published for CVE-2020-16977 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-2020-16977 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2020-16977 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Microsoft Visual Studio Code
- CVE-2026-81376 Visual Studio Code Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
- CVE-2026-47281 Visual Studio Code Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
- CVE-2026-78462 Visual Studio Code Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
- CVE-2026-59113 Visual Studio Code Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVE-2026-69320 Visual Studio Code Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Sources
Also known as GHSA-f757-5gm7-m88x.