CVE-2021-37676: TensorFlow - Reference Binding to Null Pointer in tf.raw_ops.SparseFillEmptyRows

tensorflow Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

06/03/2024
Yes i
High
Not published

CVE-2021-37676: Reference binding to nullptr in shape inference in TensorFlow. Affects tensorflow across 3 version ranges.

>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.4 >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.3 >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.1

Fixed in 2.3.4, 2.4.3 or 2.5.1, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓

Also tracked for

The same CVE-2021-37676 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 end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. It provides a comprehensive ecosystem for developing and deploying machine learning models. TensorFlow is widely used in various industries and research domains due to its flexibility and scalability. However, a vulnerability has been identified in TensorFlow that allows an attacker to cause undefined behavior by binding a reference to a null pointer in the tf.raw_ops.SparseFillEmptyRows function. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of TensorFlow, including 2.3.0 to 2.3.4, 2.4.0 to 2.4.3, 2.5.0, and 2.6.0-rc0 to 2.6.0-rc2.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from the lack of validation in the shape inference implementation of tf.raw_ops.SparseFillEmptyRows. The shape inference does not check if the input arguments are empty tensors, allowing an attacker to bind a reference to a null pointer. This can lead to undefined behavior, potentially resulting in crashes, data corruption, or even remote code execution. The issue has been patched in the GitHub commit 578e634b4f1c1c684d4b4294f9e5281b2133b3ed and will be included in TensorFlow 2.6.0. The fix will also be backported to TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, and TensorFlow 2.3.4.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.4 2.3.4
  • >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.3 2.4.3
  • >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.1 2.5.1

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to update to the patched versions of TensorFlow to ensure the security and stability of your machine learning applications.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in TensorFlow that allows an attacker to bind a reference to a null pointer in tf.raw_ops.SparseFillEmptyRows can lead to undefined behavior and potential security risks. It is crucial to update to the patched versions of TensorFlow to mitigate the risk of exploitation. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow →

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FAQ

TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning that provides a comprehensive ecosystem for developing and deploying machine learning models.

This vulnerability allows an attacker to cause undefined behavior in TensorFlow, potentially leading to crashes, data corruption, or remote code execution.

The vulnerability affects TensorFlow versions 2.3.0 to 2.3.4, 2.4.0 to 2.4.3, 2.5.0, and 2.6.0-rc0 to 2.6.0-rc2.

Yes, the vulnerability has been patched in the GitHub commit 578e634b4f1c1c684d4b4294f9e5281b2133b3ed. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.6.0 and backported to TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, and TensorFlow 2.3.4.

To protect your TensorFlow applications, it is recommended to update to the patched versions of TensorFlow as soon as possible.

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How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.4 2.3.4
  • >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.3 2.4.3
  • >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.1 2.5.1

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

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