# CVE-2026-78462: Microsoft Visual Studio Code authorization bypass in user-controlled key

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-78462-microsoft-visual-studio-code-authorization-bypass-in-user  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-08. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-78462 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-09-08

Visual Studio Code is a widely-used code editor that developers rely on for secure development. This vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass authorization controls over the network by manipulating user-controlled cryptographic keys, potentially granting unauthorized access to protected features or data without proper authentication.

Technologies: [Microsoft Visual Studio Code](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/visual-studio-code). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-78462 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-78462 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-78462?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 8 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Visual Studio Code <UNKNOWN>.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-78462?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-78462 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-78462?** Check whether you run Microsoft Visual Studio Code at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

This is an authorization bypass vulnerability in Visual Studio Code caused by insufficient validation of user-controlled cryptographic keys. An unauthenticated attacker can send a specially crafted network request with a manipulated key to bypass the authorization mechanism and access security-controlled features. The vulnerability requires network access to the affected instance and does not require user interaction. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to circumvent security controls and gain unauthorized access to protected functionality.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Visual Studio Code <UNKNOWN>

## Timeline

- 2026-09-08: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-78462](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-78462)

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