CVE-2021-37648: TensorFlow - Null Pointer Dereference in tf.raw_ops.SaveV2
Summary
CVE-2021-37648: TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow across 3 version ranges.
>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.4
>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.3
< 9728c60e136912a12d99ca56e106b7cce7af5986
Fixed in 2.3.4 or 2.4.3, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- tensorflow · Bitnami
- tensorflow-cpu · PyPI
- tensorflow-gpu · PyPI
The same CVE-2021-37648 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 building and deploying machine learning models. TensorFlow is widely used in various domains, including research, industry, and academia.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2021-37648) exists in the code for tf.raw_ops.SaveV2 in TensorFlow. It arises due to improper validation of inputs, which can lead to a null pointer dereference. The validation mechanism, ValidateInputs, fails to catch the illegal state represented by the attacker's input. Although the validation sets the Status object of the current OpKernelContext to an error status, it does not terminate the execution of the function. As a result, execution continues from the next line in Compute, bypassing the validation. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potentially execute arbitrary code.
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.
-
>= 2.3.0, < 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"
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 available for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by ensuring that TensorFlow is updated to the patched versions mentioned above.
Conclusion
The vulnerability (CVE-2021-37648) in TensorFlow's tf.raw_ops.SaveV2 function can result in a null pointer dereference, potentially leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or arbitrary code execution. Users are strongly advised to upgrade their TensorFlow installations to the patched versions mentioned above. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow →
FAQ
TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning that provides a comprehensive set of tools and resources for building and deploying machine learning models.
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to trigger a null pointer dereference, potentially leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or arbitrary code execution.
To fix this vulnerability, users should upgrade their TensorFlow installations to the patched versions: TensorFlow 2.6.0 or later, TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, or TensorFlow 2.3.4.
There is no specific workaround for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by ensuring that they are using the patched versions of TensorFlow.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the TensorFlow advisory database: https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/blob/main/vulns/tensorflow/PYSEC-2021-270.yaml
References
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