CVE-2026-50510 in GitHub Copilot
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Improper restriction of names for files and other resources in Github Copilot allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in GitHub Copilot's resource handling mechanisms that enables privilege escalation through malicious file name manipulation. The issue stems from inadequate validation of file paths and resource identifiers during code generation and execution processes, allowing attackers to craft specially formatted file names that bypass normal access controls. When GitHub Copilot processes user input or generates code snippets, it fails to properly sanitize or restrict the naming conventions of generated files, creating opportunities for path traversal attacks and arbitrary code execution within the local environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages common security weaknesses documented under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Hardcoded File Name. Attackers can exploit this by crafting file names containing sequences like ../ or ..\ that traverse directory structures to access restricted areas of the filesystem. In the context of GitHub Copilot, this becomes particularly dangerous because the tool operates within developer environments where it has elevated privileges and access to local repositories, source code directories, and potentially sensitive configuration files. The vulnerability exists in the tool's resource management layer where file creation and processing operations do not adequately validate input parameters against established security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise within the attacker's control environment. An unauthorized attacker could leverage this flaw to execute malicious payloads, modify critical source code files, access sensitive configuration data, or establish persistent backdoors through crafted file names that appear legitimate to the tool's processing pipeline. This represents a significant risk in development environments where GitHub Copilot is frequently used for code generation, as it allows attackers with minimal privileges to escalate their access level and potentially gain control over entire development workstations or server environments. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that developers often trust Copilot-generated code without thorough manual review, making the exploitation of such vulnerabilities more likely.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and resource sanitization mechanisms within GitHub Copilot's processing pipeline. Organizations should enforce strict file name validation that rejects potentially dangerous sequences and implements proper path normalization before any file operations occur. The solution must align with industry best practices including those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, specifically addressing controls related to input validation and secure coding practices. Additionally, implementing sandboxed execution environments for Copilot's code generation processes would provide additional layers of protection by isolating potentially malicious file operations from critical system resources. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other automated development tools that may present similar resource handling risks.