CVE-2021-37656: Reference binding to nullptr in `RaggedTensorToSparse` in TensorFlow

Published Aug 12, 2021
·
Updated

Impact An attacker can cause undefined behavior via binding a reference to null pointer in tf.rawops.RaggedTensorToSparse:

python import tensorflow as tf

tf.rawops.RaggedTensorToSparse( rtnestedsplits=[[0, 38, 0]], rtdensevalues=[]) The implementation has an incomplete validation of the splits values: it does not check that they are in increasing order.

Patches We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 1071f554dbd09f7e101324d366eec5f4fe5a3ece.

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 an attacker can cause undefined behavior via binding a reference to null pointer in tf.rawops.RaggedTensorToSparse. The implementation has an incomplete validation of the splits values: it does not check that they are in increasing order. We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 1071f554dbd09f7e101324d366eec5f4fe5a3ece. 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

15 affected componentsFixes available
pip/tensorflow-gpu=2.5.0
2.5.1
pip/tensorflow-gpu>=2.4.0<2.4.3
2.4.3
pip/tensorflow-gpu<2.3.4
2.3.4
pip/tensorflow-cpu=2.5.0
2.5.1
pip/tensorflow-cpu>=2.4.0<2.4.3
2.4.3
pip/tensorflow-cpu<2.3.4
2.3.4
pip/tensorflow=2.5.0
2.5.1
pip/tensorflow>=2.4.0<2.4.3
2.4.3
pip/tensorflow<2.3.4
2.3.4
Google TensorFlow>=2.3.0<2.3.4
Google TensorFlow>=2.4.0<2.4.3
Google TensorFlow=2.5.0
Google TensorFlow=2.6.0-rc0
Google TensorFlow=2.6.0-rc1
Google TensorFlow=2.6.0-rc2

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade pip/tensorflow-gpu to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.5.1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade pip/tensorflow-gpu to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.4.3
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade pip/tensorflow-gpu to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.3.4
  4. Upgrade

    Upgrade pip/tensorflow-cpu to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.5.1
  5. Upgrade

    Upgrade pip/tensorflow-cpu to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.4.3
  6. Upgrade

    Upgrade pip/tensorflow-cpu to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.3.4
  7. Upgrade

    Upgrade pip/tensorflow to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.5.1
  8. Upgrade

    Upgrade pip/tensorflow to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.4.3
  9. Upgrade

    Upgrade pip/tensorflow to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.3.4
  10. Upgrade

    Upgrade TensorFlow tf.raw_ops.RaggedTensorToSparse to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.6.0Patch 1071f554dbd09f7e101324d366eec5f4fe5a3ece
  11. Upgrade

    Upgrade TensorFlow tf.raw_ops.RaggedTensorToSparse to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.5.1Patch 1071f554dbd09f7e101324d366eec5f4fe5a3ece
  12. Upgrade

    Upgrade TensorFlow tf.raw_ops.RaggedTensorToSparse to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.4.3Patch 1071f554dbd09f7e101324d366eec5f4fe5a3ece
  13. Upgrade

    Upgrade TensorFlow tf.raw_ops.RaggedTensorToSparse to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.3.4Patch 1071f554dbd09f7e101324d366eec5f4fe5a3ece

Event History

Aug 12, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:50 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:50 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·09:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Aug 25, 2021
Advisory Published
via GitHub·02:42 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-37656?

CVE-2021-37656 has a severity rating of medium as it can lead to undefined behavior in TensorFlow.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-37656?

To fix CVE-2021-37656, upgrade to TensorFlow versions 2.5.1 or 2.4.3, or any later version.

3

Which versions of TensorFlow are affected by CVE-2021-37656?

CVE-2021-37656 affects TensorFlow versions 2.3.0 to 2.3.4, 2.4.0 to 2.4.3, and certain release candidates of 2.6.0.

4

What is the potential impact of CVE-2021-37656?

The potential impact of CVE-2021-37656 is that attackers can exploit the vulnerability to produce undefined behavior in applications using TensorFlow.

5

How can I identify if I'm using a vulnerable version regarding CVE-2021-37656?

You can identify vulnerable versions of TensorFlow by checking your installed version against the affected versions list provided for CVE-2021-37656.

Company

Resources

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203