CVE-2025-6179 is a permissions bypass and privilege escalation vulnerability identified in Google ChromeOS version 16181.27.0, specifically affecting managed Chrome devices. The vulnerability allows a local attacker with access to the device to bypass extension management permissions, thereby disabling existing extensions and gaining access to Developer Mode. Exploitation leverages specialized tools named ExtHang3r and ExtPrint3r, which facilitate the loading of additional extensions without proper authorization. By enabling Developer Mode, an attacker can escalate privileges beyond the typical user scope, potentially gaining elevated control over the device. This bypass undermines the security model of managed ChromeOS environments, which are commonly deployed in enterprise and educational settings to enforce strict policies on extension usage and device configuration. The vulnerability requires local access, implying that remote exploitation is not directly feasible, but once exploited, it can lead to significant compromise of device integrity and security controls. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication (June 16, 2025). No patches or mitigations have been officially released as per the provided data.

For European organizations, especially those utilizing managed ChromeOS devices in corporate, educational, or governmental environments, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. The ability to bypass extension management and enable Developer Mode can lead to unauthorized installation of malicious extensions, data exfiltration, and circumvention of security policies. This could compromise sensitive information, disrupt business operations, and potentially serve as a foothold for further network intrusion. Given the prevalence of ChromeOS in education and public sector deployments across Europe, the impact could be widespread. The vulnerability undermines the trust model of managed devices, potentially affecting compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR if personal or sensitive data is exposed. Additionally, the local access requirement means insider threats or attackers with physical or limited remote access could exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges and compromise device security.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting physical and local access to managed ChromeOS devices to trusted personnel only. 2. Implement strict endpoint monitoring to detect unusual extension management activities or Developer Mode activations. 3. Employ device management policies that limit or disable Developer Mode where possible, or enforce multi-factor authentication for enabling Developer Mode. 4. Regularly audit installed extensions and device configurations to detect unauthorized changes. 5. Until an official patch is released, consider isolating ChromeOS devices from sensitive networks or data stores to limit potential damage. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local access exploitation and the importance of reporting suspicious device behavior. 7. Monitor official Google security advisories for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and prioritize their deployment once available.