CVE-2021-41200: TensorFlow - Non-scalar Arguments Crash in tf.summary.create_file_writer
Summary
CVE-2021-41200: TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow across 5 version ranges.
< 2.4.4
>= 2.5.0, < 2.5.2
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.1
>= 2.7.0rc0, < 2.7.0
< 874bda09e6702cd50bac90b453b50bcc65b2769e
Fixed in 4 releases; the minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- tensorflow · Bitnami
- tensorflow-cpu · PyPI
- tensorflow-gpu · PyPI
The same CVE-2021-41200 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 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 domains, including research, industry, and academia. It offers a high-level API for building and training machine learning models, as well as low-level operations for fine-grained control and customization. TensorFlow supports various hardware platforms and is known for its scalability and performance. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in TensorFlow that can lead to a crash when certain non-scalar arguments are passed to the tf.summary.create_file_writer function.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2021-41200) in TensorFlow arises when the tf.summary.create_file_writer function is called with non-scalar arguments. This triggers a CHECK-fail, resulting in a crash of the code. The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or disrupt the execution of machine learning workflows. The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the context in which TensorFlow is used. It is important to note that this vulnerability affects multiple versions of TensorFlow, including 2.4.4, 2.5.2, 2.6.1, and 2.7.0rc0.
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.
-
< 2.4.42.4.4pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.4.4" -
>= 2.5.0, < 2.5.22.5.2pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.5.2" -
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.12.6.1pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.6.1" -
>= 2.7.0rc0, < 2.7.02.7.0pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.7.0"
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can avoid passing non-scalar arguments to the tf.summary.create_file_writer function. Instead, ensure that only scalar arguments are used when calling this function. Here is an example of how to modify the code to avoid the vulnerability:
# Before
tf.summary.create_file_writer(non_scalar_argument)
# After
tf.summary.create_file_writer(scalar_argument)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vulnerability (CVE-2021-41200) in TensorFlow can result in a crash of the code when non-scalar arguments are passed to the tf.summary.create_file_writer function. This vulnerability can be mitigated by upgrading to the latest patched version of TensorFlow or the respective patched versions for the affected versions. Additionally, users can follow the provided workaround to avoid the vulnerability. 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 tools and libraries for developing and deploying machine learning models.
The vulnerability can lead to a crash of the code and potentially disrupt the execution of machine learning workflows.
The vulnerability affects TensorFlow versions 2.4.4, 2.5.2, 2.6.1, and 2.7.0rc0.
To fix the vulnerability, users should upgrade to the latest patched version of TensorFlow (2.7.0 or the respective patched version for the affected versions).
Yes, users can avoid the vulnerability by ensuring that only scalar arguments are passed to the tf.summary.create_file_writer function.
References
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