CVE-2021-43907

Visual Studio Code WSL Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Critical · published December 15, 2021

CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
4%
Percentile
90.5
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A critical remote code execution vulnerability lurks in the Visual Studio Code WSL Extension! Just one rogue command can let attackers take complete control. 🔥 Think of it like a side entrance at a high-security building — if left unguarded, anyone can slip inside without triggering alarms. In this case, the WSL Extension acts as that overlooked entry point, allowing attackers to execute code as if they were a trusted user. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could run arbitrary code on your machine, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or even turning your development environment against you. It's like unwelcome guests rearranging your entire workspace without you knowing!

Put simply

Think of it like a side entrance at a high-security building — if left unguarded, anyone can slip inside without triggering alarms. In this case, the WSL Extension acts as that overlooked entry point, allowing attackers to execute code as if they were a trusted user. This vulnerability exists due to improper handling of user input within the Visual Studio Code WSL Extension, allowing an attacker to craft malicious commands that execute with the same privileges as the user.

What to do

An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could run arbitrary code on your machine, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or even turning your development environment against you. It's like unwelcome guests rearranging your entire workspace without you knowing! Immediate action is required! Update your Visual Studio Code to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. Ensure your WSL Extension is also up-to-date to close off this sneaky entry point! Don’t worry, security hero! With these steps, you'll lock down your environment in no time. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.04003 · 90.5th percentile
Published
2021-12-15T14:15Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 15 DEC 14:15Z
    Visual Studio Code WSL Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
    cvelistv5