CVE-2025-6179: Chrome OS Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2025-6179 Overview

A critical permissions bypass vulnerability exists in the Extension Management component of Google ChromeOS version 16181.27.0. This security flaw affects managed Chrome devices and allows a local attacker to bypass security controls, disable extensions, and gain unauthorized access to Developer Mode. The vulnerability enables attackers to load additional malicious extensions through exploitation tools known as ExtHang3r and ExtPrint3r.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows complete bypass of extension management policies on managed ChromeOS devices, enabling attackers to disable security extensions and load arbitrary code through Developer Mode access.

Affected Products

• Google Chrome OS version 16181.27.0
• Managed Chrome devices running affected ChromeOS builds
• Enterprise-managed Chromebooks with extension policies

Discovery Timeline

• June 16, 2025 - CVE-2025-6179 published to NVD
• July 2, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-6179

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from Incorrect Default Permissions (CWE-276) in the ChromeOS Extension Management subsystem. The flaw allows local attackers on managed Chrome devices to circumvent enterprise-configured extension policies. Once exploited, attackers can disable security-critical extensions that organizations rely upon for endpoint protection, content filtering, or compliance monitoring. Furthermore, the vulnerability grants unauthorized access to Developer Mode, which is typically restricted on managed devices to prevent unauthorized software installation.

The exploitation tools ExtHang3r and ExtPrint3r leverage this permissions bypass to manipulate the extension management system. ExtHang3r appears designed to disable or "hang" existing extensions, while ExtPrint3r facilitates the loading of additional extensions through the unlocked Developer Mode access.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-6179 is improper permission validation within the ChromeOS Extension Management component. The system fails to properly enforce access control checks when handling extension management operations, allowing unprivileged local processes to perform actions that should be restricted to system administrators or the device management policy engine.

The CWE-276 (Incorrect Default Permissions) classification indicates that the affected component was deployed with overly permissive default settings, enabling local users to access functionality intended only for administrative use.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to a managed ChromeOS device. An attacker with physical access or the ability to execute code locally can leverage the ExtHang3r and ExtPrint3r tools to:

1. Bypass extension management policies configured by enterprise administrators
2. Disable security extensions protecting the device
3. Enable Developer Mode despite management policies prohibiting it
4. Side-load malicious extensions to maintain persistence or exfiltrate data

The vulnerability exploits weaknesses in how ChromeOS validates permissions for extension management operations. By manipulating specific system calls or APIs, attackers can escalate their privileges within the extension subsystem without triggering policy enforcement mechanisms.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-6179

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected changes to extension states, particularly security extensions being disabled without administrator action
• Developer Mode enabled on devices where enterprise policy explicitly prohibits it
• Presence of unknown or unauthorized extensions installed outside the managed extension whitelist
• Evidence of ExtHang3r or ExtPrint3r tool execution in system logs or process monitoring data

Detection Strategies

• Monitor ChromeOS device management logs for policy violation events related to extension management
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify execution of ExtHang3r and ExtPrint3r exploitation tools
• Configure alerts for Developer Mode state changes on managed devices
• Deploy behavioral analysis to detect anomalous extension installation or modification patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging on ChromeOS devices to capture extension management events
• Integrate ChromeOS device telemetry with your SIEM solution for centralized monitoring
• Establish baseline profiles for expected extension states on managed devices and alert on deviations
• Regularly audit installed extensions across the managed device fleet for unauthorized additions

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-6179

Immediate Actions Required

• Review all managed ChromeOS devices for signs of compromise, including unexpected extension changes or Developer Mode activation
• Audit device logs for evidence of ExtHang3r or ExtPrint3r tool usage
• Restrict physical access to managed ChromeOS devices pending patch deployment
• Verify that critical security extensions remain enabled and functional across the device fleet

Patch Information

Google has acknowledged this vulnerability through their issue tracking systems. Administrators should monitor the Chromium Issue Tracker and the Google Issue Tracker for official patch announcements and updated ChromeOS builds. Apply security updates as soon as they become available through the standard ChromeOS update channels.

Workarounds

• Implement network-level controls to prevent unauthorized tool downloads on managed devices
• Enable enhanced device audit policies to detect and alert on extension management changes
• Consider restricting local user permissions on managed ChromeOS devices where feasible
• Implement additional monitoring for Developer Mode state changes through enterprise management consoles

# ChromeOS Device Audit Command Example
# List installed extensions for compliance verification
chrome://extensions

# Check Developer Mode status through admin console
# Navigate to: Admin Console > Devices > Chrome > Settings
# Verify "Developer Mode" is set to "Never allow"