CVE-2026-102238: Path Traversal Flaw in Microsoft Visual Studio Code Scores 9.6 on CVSS
A newly published critical vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio Code carries a CVSS score of 9.6. Here is what is affected and how to respond.
Key points
- CVE-2026-102238 affects Microsoft Visual Studio Code.
- CVSS 9.6 (Critical).
- No exploitation confirmed yet.
Microsoft Visual Studio Code is affected by CVE-2026-102238, a path traversal that the National Vulnerability Database rates 9.6 out of 10.
At a glance
- CVE
- CVE-2026-102238
- Product
- Microsoft Visual Studio Code
- CVSS
- 9.6 Critical
- Weakness
- path traversal
- Exploited
- No known exploitation
What is the vulnerability?
The NVD entry states: Improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory ('path traversal') in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
Affected versions
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Visual Studio Code | before 1.141.1 |
CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C.
Is it being exploited?
There is no public confirmation of exploitation at the time of publication. It does not appear in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. We will update this report if that changes.
What should you do?
- Identify whether the affected product and versions run in your environment.
- Apply the vendor update listed in the advisory as soon as it is available.
- Limit network exposure of the affected service until it is patched.
- Monitor the vendor advisory for updated guidance or exploitation reports.
What to do and how to stay safe: CVE-2026-102238
- Vulnerability severity scores ignore your specific architecture and context.
- Exploitability depends on network exposure and user behavior, not just code flaws.
- Prioritization requires continuous asset inventory and threat intelligence alignment.
Risk-based vulnerability management focuses your limited resources on the flaws that actually threaten your business. Start by mapping your critical assets and checking for active exploits to prioritize your backlog.
Step-by-step guide: Risk-Based Vulnerability Management: Prioritize Fixes by Actual Danger
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2026-102238?
CVE-2026-102238 is a path traversal vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio Code.
How severe is CVE-2026-102238?
It has a CVSS score of 9.6 Critical.
Is CVE-2026-102238 being exploited?
There is no public confirmation of exploitation at the time of publication.
