GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Published August 11, 2026Updated September 2, 2026
Source data
Overview
Improper neutralization of special elements used in an os command ('os command injection') in GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Impact & technical details
Elevation of Privilege
How could an attacker exploit this vulnerability? An attacker could embed malicious instructions in content that the AI agent processes, such as a web page, a repository file, or a tool response. When a user runs the agent against that content, the injected instructions could cause the agent to run commands on the user's machine without prompting for confirmation. Successful exploitation could allow the attacker to execute code in the context of the signed-in user. User interaction is required and the attack is carried out locally; no authentication is required for the attacker to supply the content.
- CVSS base score
- 7.8 / 10
- CVSS vector
- CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
Highest base score supplied by MSRC for this record; the vector belongs to that score. Ratings can vary by product. Microsoft Important is displayed as High; Moderate is displayed as Medium.
Affected products
- Visual Studio Code
Source guidance
Remediation
- Release Notes
Patch availability is not confirmed by this dataset. Consult the vendor before selecting a remediation.
GTP recommendation · Rule-based guidance
Recommended next step
Review affected Microsoft products and apply the applicable security updates through your organization's normal patch-management process. Confirm availability and prerequisites in the Microsoft advisory.
Authoritative sources & updates
Findings and update information come from the linked publishers. GTP compiles the public record and provides the recommendation above. CVSS ratings shown here come from Microsoft. NVD references provide additional public context.
Managed by GTP?
Griffin Technology Partners managed customers may receive additional environment-specific security guidance and remediation assistance through their managed services relationship.
Security bulletins are provided for informational purposes and compiled from authoritative public sources. Vulnerability applicability varies by environment. Validate affected products, configuration, compatibility requirements, and vendor guidance before making production changes.