Visual Studio Code: User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information
CVE-2026-114171 is a high-severity user interface (UI) misrepresentation of critical information vulnerability in Visual Studio Code from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 1.145.3 as the first without the flaw, so updating Visual Studio Code to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.82% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 58% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Visual Studio Code to 1.145.3 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Visual Studio Code | 1.0.0 up to, but not including, 1.145.3 | 1.145.3 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (microsoft.com).
Official description
User interface (ui) misrepresentation of critical information in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information
The user interface (UI) does not properly represent critical information to the user, allowing the information - or its source - to be obscured or spoofed. This is often a component in phishing attacks.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Perform data validation (e.g. syntax, length, etc.) before interpreting the data.
- Create a strategy for presenting information, and plan for how to display unusual characters.
More User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information vulnerabilities (CWE-451)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Visual Studio Code
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
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