CVE-2026-21256 GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
An attacker can execute arbitrary code remotely via command injection in GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio, requiring users to apply vendor patches.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-21256?
CVE-2026-21256 is a high-severity command injection vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio 2022, published on 10 Feb 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-21256?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Microsoft Visual Studio 2022.
How do I fix CVE-2026-21256?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-21256 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.
Is CVE-2026-21256 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-21256 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Microsoft Visual Studio 2022
- CVE-2026-21257 GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
- CVE-2026-47305 Visual Studio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVE-2025-53773 GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVE-2023-36758 Visual Studio Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
- CVE-2025-29802 Visual Studio Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Sources
Also known as GHSA-wr95-24gv-jx75.