How severe is CVE-2020-17163?

CVE-2020-17163 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-17163 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (44th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-17163?

CVE-2020-17163 affects Microsoft Python. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-17163?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2020-17163 published?

CVE-2020-17163 was published on 2023-12-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-17163

CVE-2020-17163 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Python with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (44th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Python
Published: 2023-12-29
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-17163?: Visual Studio Code Python Extension Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2020-17163?: CVE-2020-17163 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-17163 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (44th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-17163?: CVE-2020-17163 affects Microsoft Python. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-17163?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-17163 published?: CVE-2020-17163 was published on 2023-12-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2020-17163

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:python:*:*:*:*:*:visual_studio_code:*:*

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