How severe is CVE-2026-21518?

CVE-2026-21518 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2026-21518 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-21518?

CVE-2026-21518 affects Microsoft Visual Studio Code. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-21518?

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.

Does CVE-2026-21518 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2026-21518 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-7359.

When was CVE-2026-21518 published?

CVE-2026-21518 was published on 2026-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2026-21518

CVE-2026-21518 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio Code with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-77.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (68th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-7359
Weakness: CWE-77
Affected product: Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Published: 2026-02-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-21518?: Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network.
How severe is CVE-2026-21518?: CVE-2026-21518 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-21518 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-21518?: CVE-2026-21518 affects Microsoft Visual Studio Code. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-21518?: 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.
Does CVE-2026-21518 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2026-21518 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-7359.
When was CVE-2026-21518 published?: CVE-2026-21518 was published on 2026-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-21518

Affected products (1)

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

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