CVE-2021-41228: Code injection in `saved_model_cli`

Published Nov 5, 2021
·
Updated

Impact TensorFlow's savedmodelcli tool is vulnerable to a code injection as it calls eval on user supplied strings python def preprocessinputexprsargstring(inputexprsstr): ... for inputraw in filter(bool, inputexprsstr.split(';')): ... inputkey, expr = inputraw.split('=', 1) inputdict[inputkey] = eval(expr) ... This can be used by attackers to run arbitrary code on the plaform where the CLI tool runs. However, given that the tool is always run manually, the impact of this is not severe. We have patched this by adding a safe flag which defaults to True and an explicit warning for users.

Patches We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 8b202f08d52e8206af2bdb2112a62fafbc546ec7.

The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.7.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.6.1, TensorFlow 2.5.2, and TensorFlow 2.4.4, 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 Omer Kaspi from Vdoo.

Other sources

TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning. In affected versions TensorFlow's savedmodelcli tool is vulnerable to a code injection as it calls eval on user supplied strings. This can be used by attackers to run arbitrary code on the plaform where the CLI tool runs. However, given that the tool is always run manually, the impact of this is not severe. We have patched this by adding a safe flag which defaults to True and an explicit warning for users. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.7.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.6.1, TensorFlow 2.5.2, and TensorFlow 2.4.4, as these are also affected and still in supported range.

Affected Software

13 affected componentsFixes available
pip/tensorflow-gpu>=2.6.0<2.6.1
2.6.1
pip/tensorflow-gpu<2.4.4
2.4.4
pip/tensorflow-gpu>=2.5.0<2.5.2
2.5.2
pip/tensorflow-cpu>=2.6.0<2.6.1
2.6.1
pip/tensorflow-cpu<2.4.4
2.4.4
pip/tensorflow-cpu>=2.5.0<2.5.2
2.5.2
pip/tensorflow>=2.6.0<2.6.1
2.6.1
pip/tensorflow<2.4.4
2.4.4
pip/tensorflow>=2.5.0<2.5.2
2.5.2
Google TensorFlow>=2.4.0<2.4.4
Google TensorFlow>=2.6.0<2.6.1
Google TensorFlow=2.7.0-rc0
Google TensorFlow=2.7.0-rc1

Event History

Nov 5, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:25 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:25 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Nov 10, 2021
Advisory Published
via GitHub·04:54 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-41228?

CVE-2021-41228 has been classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential for code injection attacks.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-41228?

To remediate CVE-2021-41228, update TensorFlow to versions 2.4.4, 2.5.2, or 2.6.1 or later.

3

Which versions of TensorFlow are affected by CVE-2021-41228?

CVE-2021-41228 affects TensorFlow versions from 2.4.0 to 2.4.4, 2.6.0 to 2.6.1, and specific release candidates 2.7.0-rc0 and 2.7.0-rc1.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2021-41228?

CVE-2021-41228 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the application when using the saved_model_cli tool.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2021-41228?

There are no known safe workarounds for CVE-2021-41228; updating to a patched version is strongly recommended.

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