CVE-2025-14058: Lenovo Tablets Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2025-14058 Overview

A potential missing authentication vulnerability (CWE-306) was reported in some Lenovo Tablets that could allow an unauthorized user with physical access to modify Control Center settings if the device is locked when the "Allow Control Center access when locked" option is disabled. This flaw bypasses the intended security configuration, enabling attackers to alter device settings without proper authentication.

Critical Impact

Physical attackers can bypass Control Center lock restrictions to modify device settings on affected Lenovo Tablets.

Affected Products

• Lenovo Tablets (specific models detailed in security advisory LEN-207951)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-14 - CVE CVE-2025-14058 published to NVD
• 2026-01-16 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-14058

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as Missing Authentication for Critical Function (CWE-306). The flaw allows unauthorized modification of Control Center settings despite the device being configured to restrict such access when locked. The issue stems from insufficient authentication enforcement in the Control Center access control mechanism.

The attack requires physical access to the device and some user interaction, which limits the exploitability to scenarios where an attacker has direct access to an affected Lenovo tablet. The integrity and availability of the device can be partially compromised through unauthorized configuration changes, though confidentiality is not directly impacted.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is a failure to properly enforce the authentication check when the "Allow Control Center access when locked" setting is disabled. The Control Center remains accessible through certain pathways even when the intended security policy should prevent it. This represents a gap between the user's expected security posture and the actual implementation of the access control mechanism.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is physical, requiring an attacker to have direct access to an affected Lenovo tablet. The exploitation scenario involves:

1. An attacker gains physical access to a locked Lenovo tablet
2. The device owner has disabled "Allow Control Center access when locked"
3. Despite this configuration, the attacker can still access and modify Control Center settings
4. Settings changes could include network configurations, connectivity options, or other device controls

The physical access requirement significantly limits the practical exploitability of this vulnerability in most enterprise environments but poses risks in scenarios involving device theft, shared spaces, or environments with untrusted physical access.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14058

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected changes to Control Center settings on Lenovo tablets that users did not make
• Audit logs showing configuration modifications while the device was supposed to be locked
• Users reporting settings changes that occurred during periods when the device was unattended

Detection Strategies

• Enable and review device audit logging for configuration changes on Lenovo tablets
• Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to track and alert on unauthorized settings modifications
• Compare current device configurations against baseline configurations regularly

Monitoring Recommendations

• Deploy endpoint detection solutions that can monitor for configuration drift on mobile devices
• Establish a baseline of expected Control Center settings and alert on deviations
• Use SentinelOne Mobile Threat Defense to gain visibility into device configuration changes and potential unauthorized access attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14058

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the Lenovo Security Advisory LEN-207951 for specific affected models and remediation guidance
• Apply firmware or software updates provided by Lenovo as they become available
• Implement physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to affected tablets
• Consider deploying MDM solutions to enforce security policies and monitor device configurations

Patch Information

Lenovo has published security advisory LEN-207951 addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the Lenovo Security Advisory LEN-207951 for the latest patch availability and installation instructions for affected tablet models.

Workarounds

• Implement strict physical access controls for affected Lenovo tablets
• Enable device encryption to protect data at rest even if settings are modified
• Use device lockout policies that power off or wipe the device after extended periods of inactivity
• Deploy MDM solutions to remotely enforce and restore approved configuration baselines