CVE-2021-41224: TensorFlow Heap Out-of-Bounds Access

tensorflow Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

05/11/2021
Yes i
Moderate
7.1

CVE-2021-41224: 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 < 67bfd9feeecfb3c61d80f0e46d89c170fbee682b

Fixed in 4 releases; the minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run. How to fix ↓

Also tracked for

The same CVE-2021-41224 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 supports various operations and algorithms for efficient computation on both CPUs and GPUs. However, a vulnerability has been identified in TensorFlow that can lead to a heap out-of-bounds access.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability exists in the implementation of the SparseFillEmptyRows function in TensorFlow. When the size of the indices parameter does not match the size of the values parameter, a heap out-of-bounds access can occur. This can be exploited by an attacker to read or modify memory beyond the allocated boundaries, potentially leading to information disclosure or arbitrary code execution. The 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.

  • < 2.4.4 2.4.4
    pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.4.4"
  • >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.2 2.5.2
    pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.5.2"
  • >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.1 2.6.1
    pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.6.1"
  • >= 2.7.0rc0, < 2.7.0 2.7.0
    pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.7.0"

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

Workaround

As a workaround, users can ensure that the size of the indices parameter matches the size of the values parameter when calling the SparseFillEmptyRows function. This can be done by validating the input data and resizing the arrays if necessary. Here is an example of how to perform this validation and resizing in Python:

import tensorflow as tf

# Validate and resize indices and values
if len(indices) != len(values):
    indices = indices[:len(values)]

# Call SparseFillEmptyRows with validated data
result = tf.sparse.SparseFillEmptyRows(indices, values)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the identified vulnerability in TensorFlow can lead to a heap out-of-bounds access, potentially resulting in information disclosure or arbitrary code execution. Users are advised to update their TensorFlow installation to the latest version or apply the provided workaround. For further assistance or support in 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 libraries for developing and deploying machine learning models.

SparseFillEmptyRows is a function in TensorFlow that fills empty rows in a sparse tensor with provided values.

The vulnerability occurs when the size of the indices parameter does not match the size of the values parameter in the SparseFillEmptyRows function.

The vulnerability can lead to a heap out-of-bounds access, which may result in information disclosure or arbitrary code execution.

The vulnerability affects TensorFlow versions 2.4.4, 2.5.2, 2.6.1, and 2.7.0rc0.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for tensorflow.

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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.

  • < 2.4.4 2.4.4
    pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.4.4"
  • >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.2 2.5.2
    pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.5.2"
  • >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.1 2.6.1
    pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.6.1"
  • >= 2.7.0rc0, < 2.7.0 2.7.0
    pip install --upgrade "tensorflow==2.7.0"

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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