CVE-2021-37685: Heap OOB in TFLite
Summary
CVE-2021-37685: Heap OOB in TFLite. Affects tensorflow across 3 version ranges.
< 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
- tensorflow · Bitnami
- tensorflow-cpu · PyPI
- tensorflow-gpu · PyPI
The same CVE-2021-37685 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
The TFLite package is an open-source deep learning framework developed by TensorFlow. It provides tools and libraries for running TensorFlow models on mobile, embedded, and IoT devices. TFLite allows developers to deploy machine learning models efficiently on resource-constrained platforms. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in TFLite's expand_dims.cc file, which can lead to a heap out-of-bounds read.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in TFLite's expand_dims.cc arises from a flaw in the bounds checking logic. If the axis parameter is a large negative value, it can cause the for loop to read one element before the start of the input_dims.data array. This can result in the disclosure of sensitive information or a crash. The impact of this vulnerability is considered moderate, with a CVSS score of 5.5. It is important to note that this vulnerability affects versions 2.3.4, 2.4.3, and 2.5.1 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.
-
< 2.3.42.3.4pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.3.4" -
>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.32.4.3pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.4.3" -
>= 2.5.0, < 2.5.12.5.1pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.5.1"
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. The recommended solution is to update the TensorFlow package to the patched version.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in TFLite's expand_dims.cc can lead to a heap out-of-bounds read, potentially resulting in the disclosure of sensitive information or a crash. It is important for users of TensorFlow to update their package to the patched version once it becomes available. Regularly checking for updates and applying them promptly is essential for maintaining the security of your applications. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow →
FAQ
TFLite is an open-source deep learning framework developed by TensorFlow. It allows developers to deploy machine learning models efficiently on resource-constrained platforms.
The vulnerability can lead to a heap out-of-bounds read, potentially resulting in the disclosure of sensitive information or a crash.
Versions 2.3.4, 2.4.3, and 2.5.1 of the TensorFlow package are affected by this vulnerability.
Yes, the vulnerability has been patched in the GitHub commit d94ffe08a65400f898241c0374e9edc6fa8ed257. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.6.0.
To protect your application, it is recommended to update the TensorFlow package to the latest version once it becomes available. Regularly checking for updates and applying them promptly is crucial for maintaining the security of your applications.
References
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