CVE-2025-6044 in ChromeOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2025
An Improper Access Control vulnerability in the Stylus Tools component of Google ChromeOS version 16238.64.0 on Lenovo devices allows a physical attacker to bypass the lock screen and access user files by removing the stylus while the device is closed and using the screen capture feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-6044 represents a critical improper access control flaw within the Stylus Tools component of Google ChromeOS version 16238.64.0 specifically affecting Lenovo devices. This security weakness stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that govern how the system handles stylus input when the device screen is locked. The flaw exploits a fundamental gap in the device's security model where physical access during the device closure state can be leveraged to circumvent the established lock screen protections. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through a seemingly innocuous user interaction pattern that does not require network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the specific timing and sequence of device states during which the stylus tool remains active even when the device is closed. When a user removes the stylus while the device screen is locked and subsequently uses the screen capture feature, the system fails to properly validate the security context of the input. This improper access control allows an attacker to bypass the normal authentication mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized access to user files and system resources. The flaw falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically manifesting as an insufficient access control implementation that permits unauthorized operations through legitimate device features.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for users who store sensitive data on their Lenovo devices running the affected ChromeOS version. Physical attackers with access to the device during its closed state can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to personal files, applications, and potentially system-level information. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal sophistication and can be executed by anyone with physical access to the device. The screen capture feature, which is a legitimate and frequently used function, becomes a vector for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user data, as it allows for unauthorized file access without proper authentication.
The attack scenario typically begins with an attacker physically accessing a locked ChromeOS device and removing the stylus while the screen is closed. The attacker then uses the screen capture functionality, which triggers the vulnerability due to the improper access control validation. This sequence allows the attacker to bypass the lock screen protection mechanisms and access user files directly. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it can potentially enable further exploitation, including the possibility of establishing persistent access or exfiltrating sensitive information. The vulnerability represents a failure in the device's security model to properly validate input contexts and maintain consistent security boundaries even when device states change unexpectedly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-6044 should focus on implementing proper access control validation for all device input mechanisms, particularly those that remain active during device closure states. Organizations should prioritize updating affected ChromeOS devices to versions that address this vulnerability, as Google is expected to release patches to correct the improper access control implementation. System administrators should consider implementing additional physical security measures such as device encryption and trusted platform module (TPM) integration to provide defense-in-depth. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing for device input handling and proper state management during device transitions. Users should be educated about the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of maintaining current security updates to protect against such physical attack vectors. The remediation process should also include verification that all stylus-related functionality properly respects device lock states and security boundaries.