CVE-2020-17023

7.8 HIGH
Published: October 16, 2020 Modified: February 23, 2026
View on NVD

Description

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when a user is tricked into opening a malicious 'package.json' 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 clone a repository and open it in Visual Studio Code. Attacker-specified code would execute when the target opens the malicious 'package.json' file.</p> <p>The update address the vulnerability by modifying the way Visual Studio Code handles JSON files.</p>

AI Explanation

Get an AI-powered plain-language explanation of this vulnerability and remediation steps.

Login to generate AI explanation

CVSS v3.x Details

0.0 Low Medium High Critical 10.0
Vector String
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools

Patch Vendor Advisory Exploit Third Party Advisory
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-17023
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Patch Vendor Advisory

2 reference(s) from NVD

Quick Stats

CVSS v3 Score
7.8 / 10.0
EPSS (Exploit Probability)
18.0%
95th percentile
Exploitation Status
Not in CISA KEV

Affected Vendors

microsoft