CVE-2022-23581: TensorFlow Denial of Service via CHECK Failures in Grappler's IsSimplifiableReshape
Summary
CVE-2022-23581: CHECK-failures during Grappler's IsSimplifiableReshape in Tensorflow. Affects tensorflow across 3 version ranges.
< 2.5.3
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.3
>= 2.7.0, < 2.7.1
Fixed in 2.5.3, 2.6.3 or 2.7.1, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- tensorflow · Bitnami
- tensorflow-gpu · PyPI
- tensorflow-cpu · PyPI
The same CVE-2022-23581 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
TensorFlow is an open-source machine learning framework that enables developers to build and deploy machine learning models. It is widely used for various applications, including deep learning, neural networks, and data analysis. The framework's Grappler optimizer is designed to improve the performance of TensorFlow graphs by optimizing them for execution. However, vulnerabilities in this optimizer can lead to significant issues, including denial of service.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the Grappler optimizer in TensorFlow, specifically in the IsSimplifiableReshape function. By manipulating a SavedModel, an attacker can trigger CHECK failures, leading to a denial of service. This vulnerability can be exploited to crash the TensorFlow application, impacting its availability and reliability. The technical details indicate that the issue is related to how the optimizer handles certain reshape operations, which can be exploited under specific conditions.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 2.21.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.21.0"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 2.5.32.5.3pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.5.3" -
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.32.6.3pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.6.3" -
>= 2.7.0, < 2.7.12.7.1pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.7.1"
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to update to the patched versions as soon as possible to mitigate the risk.
Conclusion
In summary, CVE-2022-23581 is a significant vulnerability in TensorFlow that can lead to denial of service through specific manipulations of the Grappler optimizer. It is crucial to update to the patched versions to ensure the security and reliability of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow →
FAQ
CVE-2022-23581 is a vulnerability in TensorFlow that allows for denial of service through CHECK failures in the Grappler optimizer's IsSimplifiableReshape function.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to application crashes, making it unavailable for users and impacting overall service reliability.
Affected versions include TensorFlow 2.5.3, 2.6.0, 2.7.0, and earlier versions. The vulnerability is fixed in versions 2.5.3, 2.6.3, and 2.7.1.
You can update TensorFlow using pip with the command: pip install --upgrade tensorflow==2.7.1.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application without signup at the Vulert playground.
References
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