CVE-2026-6090: A potential authentication bypass was reported in Lenovo Smart Connect for Windows that could allow a local authenticated user to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges

Synopsis

Authentication bypass in Lenovo Smart Connect for Windows allows a local, low-privileged user to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The attacker must already have a shell or process on the host; no network access is required, but specific pre-existing conditions on the target system must be met. Successful exploitation gives the attacker full control of the affected process, including the ability to read, modify, or destroy data and disrupt services. A patched-image rebuild at version 09.0.2.003.000 is available on HarborGuard for environments running an affected version.

HarborGuard Coverage

Exploit Conditions

• Network reachabilityNot required

  The attacker needs an existing shell or process on the host; no network path to the target is required.

• AuthenticationRequired

  Any low-privilege local account is sufficient; no administrator or specially provisioned credentials are needed beyond basic system access.

• Victim interactionNot required

  No action from another user or victim is needed to trigger the vulnerability.

• Attack complexityDetail

  Specific pre-existing conditions on the target system must be met, such as a particular configuration state or timing window, making the exploit situationally dependent rather than unconditionally reliable.

Blast Radius

• Reads sensitive data accessible to the elevated process, including credentials, configuration secrets, and user files.
• Modifies or overwrites application data and system files under the elevated privilege context.
• Crashes or disrupts the affected service, causing denial of availability for users of Lenovo Smart Connect on the host.
• Gains a persistent elevated execution context that can be used as a pivot point for further actions on the same host.