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Critical Vulnerabilities in VS Code Extensions Threaten 128 Million Developer Environments

Recent findings have identified three critical vulnerabilities in four widely used Visual Studio Code extensions. These extensions have collectively been downloaded over 128 million times, posing a significant risk to users. The vulnerabilities are…

LBy Lucas NorwoodFeb 20, 20262 min read

Recent findings have identified three critical vulnerabilities in four widely used Visual Studio Code extensions. These extensions have collectively been downloaded over 128 million times, posing a significant risk to users. The vulnerabilities are cataloged as CVE-2025-65715, CVE-2025-65716, and CVE-2025-65717.

The vulnerabilities were discovered by the OX Security Research team and subsequently confirmed in Cursor and Windsurf IDEs. This discovery highlights a critical gap in modern software supply chain security, particularly concerning the developer's local environment.

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) are critical as they house sensitive data such as business logic, API keys, and customer information. Extensions with extensive system-level permissions can potentially compromise this data.

CVE-2025-65717: Rated 9.1 (Critical), this vulnerability allows remote file exfiltration via Live Server's localhost feature. CVE-2025-65716: With a CVSS score of 8.8, this vulnerability in Markdown Preview Enhanced allows JavaScript execution that facilitates local port scanning and data exfiltration. CVE-2025-65715: Rated 7.8, this vulnerability in Code Runner permits remote code execution. Microsoft Live Preview: An XSS vulnerability enabled full IDE file exfiltration, patched in version 0.4.16, with no CVE issued.

CVE ID Extension CVSS Score Downloads Vulnerability Affected Versions

Recent findings have identified three critical vulnerabilities in four widely used Visual Studio Code extensions.
Lucas Norwood · Thehackingpost

CVE-2025-65717 Live Server 9.1 72M+ Remote file exfiltration All versions

CVE-2025-65715 Code Runner 7.8 37M+ Remote code execution All versions

CVE-2025-65716 Markdown Preview Enhanced 8.8 8.5M+ JavaScript execution leading to local port scanning and data exfiltration All versions

No CVE Issued Microsoft Live Preview — 11M+ One-click XSS to full IDE file exfiltration Fixed in v0.4.16+

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Organizations are advised to scrutinize IDE extensions as rigorously as third-party software dependencies. Immediate auditing of installed extensions and removal of non-essential ones is recommended. Additionally, localhost servers should not remain active unnecessarily, and developers should avoid opening untrusted HTML files during their operation.

OX Security suggests mandatory security reviews for extensions prior to marketplace submission, AI-powered scanning of new submissions, and enforceable patch response timelines for widely downloaded extensions. This approach aims to mitigate the increasing risks associated with the current "install at your own risk" model.

For further details, refer to the OX Security blog .

Based on reporting by Cyber Security News.

AI transparency. This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence and published under human editorial oversight. AI systems can make mistakes. Read how we use AI (EU AI Act, Art. 50).
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