CVE-2025-1121 is a vulnerability identified in Google ChromeOS version 15786.48.2 that allows an attacker with physical access to a device to achieve privilege escalation and remote code execution. The flaw resides in the Installer and Recovery image handling components of ChromeOS. Specifically, the vulnerability enables an attacker to craft a malicious recovery image that, when used on the targeted device, can execute arbitrary code with root privileges. This elevated access can further allow the attacker to unenroll enterprise-managed devices, effectively bypassing organizational management controls and security policies. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-269, which relates to improper privilege management. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.8, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) reveals that the attack requires physical access (Attack Vector: Physical), has low attack complexity, requires no privileges or user interaction, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability with high severity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, and no patches are currently linked, suggesting that mitigation may rely on updated ChromeOS versions once released. The vulnerability is particularly critical in environments where devices are enterprise-managed, as it undermines device enrollment and management integrity. Given the physical access requirement, the threat is more relevant in scenarios where devices could be stolen, lost, or accessed by unauthorized personnel. The attacker’s ability to gain root code execution means full control over the device’s operating system, enabling installation of persistent malware, data exfiltration, or disabling security features.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises heavily reliant on ChromeOS devices for their workforce. The ability to gain root access and unenroll devices from enterprise management compromises the security posture, potentially leading to data breaches, loss of sensitive corporate information, and disruption of business operations. Organizations in sectors with high regulatory requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government could face compliance violations if devices are compromised. The physical access prerequisite limits remote exploitation but elevates the risk in environments where device theft or unauthorized physical access is plausible, such as mobile workforces, shared workspaces, or public-facing kiosks. The potential to disable enterprise management also complicates incident response and remediation efforts, as compromised devices may evade detection or control. Moreover, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that successful exploitation can lead to comprehensive system compromise, affecting user data, system stability, and trust in organizational IT infrastructure.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to ChromeOS devices, including secure storage, device tracking, and employee awareness training about device handling. Until a patch is available, organizations should consider disabling recovery mode or restricting the ability to boot from external recovery images where possible through device policy settings. Employing hardware security features such as Verified Boot and enabling enterprise enrollment enforcement can help detect unauthorized modifications. Regular audits of device enrollment status and integrity checks can identify compromised devices early. Organizations should also prepare incident response plans specific to ChromeOS device compromise scenarios. Once Google releases a security update addressing CVE-2025-1121, prompt deployment across all affected devices is critical. Additionally, limiting the use of ChromeOS devices to trusted environments and minimizing the exposure of sensitive data on such devices can reduce potential impact. For high-risk environments, consider multi-factor authentication and endpoint detection solutions tailored for ChromeOS to enhance security monitoring.