CVE-2026-54981: Visual Studio Code Python Extension Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

highCVSS 7.8CVE-2026-54981

Inclusion of functionality from untrusted control sphere in Visual Studio Code - Python extension allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature locally.

CSIRTS triage

vendor: Microsoft product: Visual Studio Code Python ExtensionMisconfiguration

What: Inclusion of functionality from untrusted control sphere allows local bypass of a security feature in the Python extension.
Who is affected: Visual Studio Code users with the Python extension installed on local machines.
Urgency: High urgency; CVSS 7.8 high severity and security feature bypass could permit privilege escalation or other attacks locally.
Action: Update Visual Studio Code and the Python extension to the patched version immediately.

AI-assisted analysis generated from the source advisory — verify against the original.

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Details

Source: Microsoft Security Response Center (INTL · vendor-psirt · site)
Severity: high — CVSS 7.8
Published: 2026-08-11
Exploitation: Not in CISA KEV at last sync

Original advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-54981

Exploitation outlook

EPSS (FIRST.org) estimates each CVE’s probability of exploitation in the next 30 days — here is the CSIRTS.com read on those numbers.

Low exploitation riskCVE-2026-549810.44% 30-day exploitation probability — currently an unlikely target, but scores change as exploit code circulates. Riskier than 37% of all EPSS-scored CVEs.

Referenced CVEs

CVE	CSIRTS overview	External
CVE-2026-54981	coverage & exploitation status	NVD · CVE.org

Same CVEs, other sources

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