CVE-2022-3048 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/26/2022
Inappropriate implementation in Chrome OS lockscreen in Google Chrome on Chrome OS prior to 105.0.5195.52 allowed a local attacker to bypass lockscreen navigation restrictions via physical access to the device.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-3048 represents a critical security flaw in the Chrome OS lockscreen implementation that undermines the fundamental security model designed to protect user devices. This issue affects Google Chrome OS systems prior to version 105.0.5195.52 and demonstrates how physical access to a device can be exploited to bypass crucial navigation restrictions that should prevent unauthorized access to system functions. The vulnerability specifically targets the lockscreen mechanism that is intended to provide a barrier between the device and potential unauthorized users, creating a scenario where an attacker with physical possession of the device can circumvent these protective measures.
The technical implementation flaw lies in how the Chrome OS lockscreen handles user navigation attempts when the device is locked. The system fails to properly validate or restrict navigation paths that should be blocked when the device is in a locked state, allowing an attacker to access certain system functions or interfaces that should remain inaccessible. This inappropriate implementation creates a pathway for privilege escalation where physical access translates directly into functional access to restricted system components. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level and affects the core security architecture that governs user interaction with locked devices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to user privacy and data security, particularly in environments where devices may be left unattended or where physical security is compromised. An attacker with physical access can exploit this weakness to bypass the lockscreen entirely, potentially gaining access to sensitive user data, applications, or system functions that should only be available to authenticated users. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the most basic form of access - physical possession of the device - to circumvent sophisticated security mechanisms that are supposed to protect against unauthorized access. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the security boundary established by the lockscreen mechanism.
The mitigation for CVE-2022-3048 involves updating Chrome OS to version 105.0.5195.52 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the lockscreen navigation bypass issue. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this update across all affected Chrome OS devices, particularly in environments where physical security cannot be guaranteed. The fix likely involves strengthening the validation mechanisms within the lockscreen implementation to properly restrict navigation paths and ensure that unauthorized access attempts are properly blocked regardless of physical access conditions. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious lockscreen behavior and ensure that device management policies include regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and demonstrates how inadequate access control implementation can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized system access. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1211 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1072 (Software Deployment Tools), as it exploits a weakness in the device's software implementation to gain unauthorized access. The security implications extend beyond simple data exposure to include potential system compromise and unauthorized administrative access, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Chrome OS devices are commonly deployed for sensitive operations and user productivity tasks.