Malicious code in vscode-codeql (npm)

vscode-codeql Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

25/06/2024
CRITICAL
No i
Critical
Not published

MAL-2024-3832: Malicious code in vscode-codeql (npm). Affects vscode-codeql versions 1.99.99. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The vscode-codeql package is an open-source extension for Visual Studio Code that provides support for CodeQL, a powerful code analysis tool. It allows developers to write queries to analyze code and find potential vulnerabilities. This package is widely used by developers to enhance their code analysis capabilities.

Vulnerability Detail

This vulnerability (MAL-2024-3832) involves the presence of malicious code in the vscode-codeql package. The malicious code was discovered by ReversingLabs and reported through the Open Source Vulnerability database. The affected version of the package is 1.99.99. The presence of this malicious code can lead to various security risks, including unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential compromise of the development environment. It is crucial to address this vulnerability promptly to ensure the integrity and security of the codebase.

How To Fix

This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.

npm uninstall vscode-codeql

If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.

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Workaround

As a temporary workaround, developers can consider disabling or removing the vscode-codeql package from their development environment until a patched version is available. This can help mitigate the risk of the malicious code being executed. However, this workaround may impact the functionality and code analysis capabilities provided by the package.

Conclusion

The presence of malicious code in the vscode-codeql package (version 1.99.99) poses a significant security risk. It is crucial for developers to update to a secure version once it becomes available. In the meantime, disabling or removing the package can help mitigate the risk. Regularly updating dependencies is also recommended to ensure the use of the latest secure versions.

See every vulnerability recorded for vscode-codeql →

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FAQ

vscode-codeql is an open-source extension for Visual Studio Code that enables code analysis using CodeQL.

The malicious code was discovered by ReversingLabs, a cybersecurity company specializing in threat intelligence.

The presence of the malicious code can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and compromise of the development environment.

The maintainers of the vscode-codeql package are actively working on releasing a patched version to address this vulnerability.

As a temporary workaround, it is advisable to consider disabling or removing the vscode-codeql package until a patched version is available.

How To Fix

This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.

npm uninstall vscode-codeql

If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.

Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →

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