CVE-2026-50520: Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Visual Studio Code allo

This month

HIGH 8.4WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-50520 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.4) affecting visual studio code. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.4 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 72%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-77
Published	2026-07-14
Last modified	2026-10-24

Publisher (CNA): Microsoft Corporation · Vendor: microsoft

Last updated 2026-10-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-07-14 17:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-24 21:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

microsoft visual studio code UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.0.0 and < 1.128.1

Fixed in: 1.128.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy visual-studio-code || rpm -q visual-studio-code || visual-studio-code --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.128.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade visual-studio-code

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade visual-studio-code

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison visual-studio-code sudo apt install visual-studio-code=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold visual-studio-code

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list visual-studio-code sudo dnf downgrade visual-studio-code-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add visual-studio-code

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-50520?

visual studio code: upgrade to 1.128.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-50520 being exploited?

CVE-2026-50520 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-50520 affect?

CVE-2026-50520 affects visual studio code. Severity is high (CVSS 8.4). Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.

How urgent is CVE-2026-50520?

Priority 41/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Visual Studio vulnerabilities

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References

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