CVE-2021-37648: Incorrect validation of `SaveV2` inputs in TensorFlow
Impact The code for tf.rawops.SaveV2 does not properly validate the inputs and an attacker can trigger a null pointer dereference:
python import tensorflow as tf
tf.rawops.SaveV2( prefix=['tensorflow'], tensorname=['v'], shapeandslices=[], tensors=[1,2,3]) The implementation uses ValidateInputs to check that the input arguments are valid. This validation would have caught the illegal state represented by the reproducer above.
However, the validation uses OPREQUIRES which translates to setting the Status object of the current OpKernelContext to an error status, followed by an empty return statement which just terminates the execution of the function it is present in. However, this does not mean that the kernel execution is finalized: instead, execution continues from the next line in Compute that follows the call to ValidateInputs. This is equivalent to lacking the validation. Patches We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 9728c60e136912a12d99ca56e106b7cce7af5986.
The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.6.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, and TensorFlow 2.3.4, as these are also affected and still in supported range.
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. In affected versions the code for tf.rawops.SaveV2 does not properly validate the inputs and an attacker can trigger a null pointer dereference. The implementation uses ValidateInputs to check that the input arguments are valid. This validation would have caught the illegal state represented by the reproducer above. However, the validation uses OPREQUIRES which translates to setting the Status object of the current OpKernelContext to an error status, followed by an empty return statement which just terminates the execution of the function it is present in. However, this does not mean that the kernel execution is finalized: instead, execution continues from the next line in Compute that follows the call to ValidateInputs. This is equivalent to lacking the validation. We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 9728c60e136912a12d99ca56e106b7cce7af5986. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.6.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, and TensorFlow 2.3.4, as these are also affected and still in supported range.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/tensorflow-gputo a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.5.1 - Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/tensorflow-gputo a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.4.3 - Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/tensorflow-gputo a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.3.4 - Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/tensorflow-cputo a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.5.1 - Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/tensorflow-cputo a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.4.3 - Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/tensorflow-cputo a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.3.4 - Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/tensorflowto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.5.1 - Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/tensorflowto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.4.3 - Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/tensorflowto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.3.4 - Upgrade
Upgrade
tensorflowto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.6.0Patch GitHub commit 9728c60e136912a12d99ca56e106b7cce7af5986 - Upgrade
Upgrade
tensorflowto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Patch GitHub commit 9728c60e136912a12d99ca56e106b7cce7af5986
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2021-37648?
CVE-2021-37648 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to trigger null pointer dereferences.
How do I fix CVE-2021-37648?
To fix CVE-2021-37648, upgrade TensorFlow to version 2.5.1 or later.
Which versions of TensorFlow are affected by CVE-2021-37648?
CVE-2021-37648 affects TensorFlow versions 2.3.0 through 2.3.4, 2.4.0 through 2.4.3, and all pre-release versions of 2.6.0.
What causes CVE-2021-37648?
CVE-2021-37648 is caused by improper input validation in the 'tf.raw_ops.SaveV2' function.
Is CVE-2021-37648 specific to a certain deployment environment?
CVE-2021-37648 is not specific to a deployment environment; it affects any system using the vulnerable versions of TensorFlow.