CVE-2022-23579: Grappler's SafeToRemoveIdentity Vulnerability in TensorFlow
Summary
CVE-2022-23579: CHECK-failures during Grappler's SafeToRemoveIdentity 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-2022-23579 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 widely used for developing and training machine learning models. It provides a comprehensive ecosystem of tools, libraries, and resources for building and deploying machine learning applications. TensorFlow is vulnerable to a specific issue in the Grappler optimizer, which is responsible for optimizing TensorFlow models. This vulnerability can be exploited to cause a denial of service by manipulating a SavedModel in a way that triggers CHECK failures in the SafeToRemoveIdentity function.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in TensorFlow's Grappler optimizer allows an attacker to create a malicious SavedModel that, when processed by the optimizer, triggers CHECK failures in the SafeToRemoveIdentity function. This can lead to a denial of service, disrupting the normal functioning of TensorFlow. The issue has a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a moderate severity level. The vulnerability affects versions 0 to 2.5.3, 2.6.0 to 2.6.3, and 2.7.0 to 2.7.1 of the TensorFlow package.
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
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in TensorFlow's Grappler optimizer can be exploited to cause a denial of service. It is recommended to update TensorFlow to the patched versions or upgrade to TensorFlow 2.8.0. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow →
FAQ
TensorFlow is an open-source machine learning framework used for developing and training machine learning models.
The Grappler optimizer is a component of TensorFlow that optimizes TensorFlow models for better performance.
The vulnerability allows an attacker to cause a denial of service by manipulating a SavedModel to trigger CHECK failures in the SafeToRemoveIdentity function.
To fix the vulnerability, update TensorFlow to version 2.8.0 or apply the provided patches.
No specific workaround has been mentioned for this vulnerability.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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