How severe is CVE-2022-38020?

CVE-2022-38020 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2022-38020 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (56th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2022-38020?

CVE-2022-38020 affects Microsoft Visual Studio Code. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2022-38020?

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-2022-38020 published?

CVE-2022-38020 was published on 2022-09-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2022-38020

CVE-2022-38020 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio Code with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. 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 7.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (56th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Published: 2022-09-13
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Visual Studio Code Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-38020?: Visual Studio Code Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2022-38020?: CVE-2022-38020 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2022-38020 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (56th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-38020?: CVE-2022-38020 affects Microsoft Visual Studio Code. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-38020?: 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-2022-38020 published?: CVE-2022-38020 was published on 2022-09-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2022-38020

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:visual_studio_code:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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