CVE-2021-29512: Heap buffer overflow in `RaggedBinCount`

Published May 14, 2021
·
Updated

Impact If the splits argument of RaggedBincount does not specify a valid SparseTensor, then an attacker can trigger a heap buffer overflow:

python import tensorflow as tf tf.rawops.RaggedBincount(splits=[0], values=[1,1,1,1,1], size=5, weights=[1,2,3,4], binaryoutput=False)

This will cause a read from outside the bounds of the splits tensor buffer in the implementation of the RaggedBincount op:

cc for (int idx = 0; idx < numvalues; ++idx) { while (idx >= splits(batchidx)) { batchidx++; } ... }

Before the for loop, batchidx is set to 0. The user controls the splits array, making it contain only one element, 0. Thus, the code in the while loop would increment batchidx and then try to read splits(1), which is outside of bounds.

Patches We have patched the issue in GitHub commit eebb96c2830d48597d055d247c0e9aebaea94cd5.

The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.5.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.4.2 and TensorFlow 2.3.3, as these are also affected.

For more information Please consult our security guide for more information regarding the security model and how to contact us with issues and questions.

Attribution This vulnerability has been reported by members of the Aivul Team from Qihoo 360.

Other sources

TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. If the splits argument of RaggedBincount does not specify a valid SparseTensor(https://www.tensorflow.org/apidocs/python/tf/sparse/SparseTensor), then an attacker can trigger a heap buffer overflow. This will cause a read from outside the bounds of the splits tensor buffer in the implementation of the RaggedBincount op(https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/8b677d79167799f71c42fd3fa074476e0295413a/tensorflow/core/kernels/bincountop.cc#L430-L433). Before the for loop, batchidx is set to 0. The user controls the splits array, making it contain only one element, 0. Thus, the code in the while loop would increment batchidx and then try to read splits(1), which is outside of bounds. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.5.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.4.2 and TensorFlow 2.3.3, as these are also affected.

Affected Software

8 affected componentsFixes available
pip/tensorflow-gpu>=2.4.0<2.4.2
2.4.2
pip/tensorflow-gpu>=2.3.0<2.3.3
2.3.3
pip/tensorflow-cpu>=2.4.0<2.4.2
2.4.2
pip/tensorflow-cpu>=2.3.0<2.3.3
2.3.3
pip/tensorflow>=2.4.0<2.4.2
2.4.2
pip/tensorflow>=2.3.0<2.3.3
2.3.3
Google TensorFlow>=2.3.0<2.3.3
Google TensorFlow>=2.4.0<2.4.2

Event History

May 14, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·06:55 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·06:55 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
May 21, 2021
Advisory Published
via GitHub·02:20 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-29512?

CVE-2021-29512 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to trigger a heap buffer overflow.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-29512?

To fix CVE-2021-29512, upgrade to TensorFlow versions 2.3.3 or 2.4.2 or later.

3

What components are affected by CVE-2021-29512?

CVE-2021-29512 affects Google TensorFlow versions 2.3.0 - 2.3.3 and 2.4.0 - 2.4.2.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2021-29512?

The impact of CVE-2021-29512 is that it allows an attacker to exploit a heap buffer overflow, possibly leading to arbitrary code execution.

5

Is CVE-2021-29512 exploitable in all environments?

CVE-2021-29512 may be exploitable in environments where the `splits` argument is improperly validated before being passed to the RaggedBincount operation.

Contact

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