CVE-2021-37688: TensorFlow Null Pointer Dereference Denial of Service

tensorflow Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

06/03/2024
Yes i
Medium
Not published

CVE-2021-37688: Null pointer dereference in TensorFlow Lite. 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-2021-37688 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 of tools, libraries, and resources for developing and deploying machine learning models. TensorFlow is widely used in various industries and research domains for tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and recommendation systems. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in TensorFlow that can be exploited to trigger a null pointer dereference, leading to a crash and denial of service.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in TensorFlow arises from a flaw in the implementation of TFLite models. An attacker can craft a malicious TFLite model that triggers a null pointer dereference. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely by an attacker with the ability to provide a specially crafted TFLite model to a vulnerable TensorFlow application. When the model is processed, the null pointer dereference occurs, causing the application to crash and resulting in a denial of service. The issue has been identified and patched in the TensorFlow source code.

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 essential to apply the provided fix by updating TensorFlow to a patched version.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in TensorFlow that allows for a null pointer dereference and denial of service has been identified and patched. It is crucial to update TensorFlow to a patched version to mitigate the risk of exploitation. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow →

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FAQ

TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning that provides tools and resources for developing and deploying machine learning models.

This vulnerability allows an attacker to crash a TensorFlow application by triggering a null pointer dereference, resulting in a denial of service.

Yes, this vulnerability can be exploited remotely by an attacker who can provide a specially crafted TFLite model to a vulnerable TensorFlow application.

Yes, the vulnerability has been patched in TensorFlow versions 2.6.0, 2.5.1, 2.4.3, and 2.3.4. It is recommended to update to the latest patch release of the respective TensorFlow version.

No, there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability. It is crucial to update TensorFlow to a patched version.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for tensorflow.

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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