CVE-2021-29541: TensorFlow-CPU Null Pointer Dereference in StringNGrams

tensorflow-cpu Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

14/05/2021

Disclosed on

CVE-2021-29541

CVE

Yes i

Fix available

Unrated

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

CVE-2021-29541: TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow-cpu across 5 version ranges.

< 2.1.4 >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3 >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3 >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 < ba424dd8f16f7110eea526a8086f1a155f14f22b

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

Also tracked for

tensorflow · Bitnami
tensorflow · PyPI
tensorflow · PyPI
tensorflow-gpu · PyPI

The same CVE-2021-29541 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or Browse

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats

SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml

Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile

Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml

PHP composer.lock

Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock

Go go.mod

Rust Cargo.lock

Ruby Gemfile.lock

Dart pubspec.lock

C/C++ conan.lock

Elixir mix.lock

Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Background

TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. It provides a comprehensive ecosystem of tools, libraries, and resources for developing and deploying machine learning models. TensorFlow-CPU is a specific package that focuses on running TensorFlow on CPUs. It is widely used in various industries and research fields for machine learning tasks.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability (CVE-2021-29541) exists in the tf.raw_ops.StringNGrams function of TensorFlow-CPU. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by providing a malicious input that triggers a null pointer dereference. The issue arises due to incomplete validation of the data_splits argument in the implementation of StringNGrams. As a result, when the output is computed to have a size of 0 or negative, the ngrams_data pointer becomes null. Subsequent writes to the output tensor then lead to a null pointer dereference. This vulnerability can potentially be exploited to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or execute arbitrary code.

How To Fix

Latest published version: 2.21.0 as of 22 Oct 2026

pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==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.

< 2.1.4 2.1.4

pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.1.4"

>= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3 2.2.3

pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.2.3"

>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3 2.3.3

pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.3.3"

>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 2.4.2

pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.4.2"

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 avoid using the tf.raw_ops.StringNGrams function until they have updated their TensorFlow-CPU installation to a fixed version. By refraining from using this specific function, the vulnerability can be temporarily mitigated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the vulnerability (CVE-2021-29541) in TensorFlow-CPU's tf.raw_ops.StringNGrams function can lead to a null pointer dereference, potentially resulting in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or arbitrary code execution. It is crucial to update to the fixed versions of TensorFlow-CPU or apply the provided workarounds to mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow-cpu →

FAQ

What is TensorFlow?

TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning that provides a comprehensive set of tools and resources for developing and deploying machine learning models.

What is TensorFlow-CPU?

TensorFlow-CPU is a specific package that focuses on running TensorFlow on CPUs. It is widely used for machine learning tasks in various industries and research fields.

What is the impact of this vulnerability?

This vulnerability can potentially be exploited to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or execute arbitrary code. It is important to update to the fixed versions of TensorFlow-CPU to mitigate the risk.

How can I fix this vulnerability?

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update your TensorFlow-CPU installation to the latest version once it becomes available. Alternatively, you can upgrade to one of the fixed versions (TensorFlow 2.5.0, TensorFlow 2.4.2, TensorFlow 2.3.3, TensorFlow 2.2.3, or TensorFlow 2.1.4).

Is there a workaround for this vulnerability?

Yes, you can temporarily mitigate the risk by avoiding the use of the tf.raw_ops.StringNGrams function until you have updated your TensorFlow-CPU installation to a fixed version.

References

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for tensorflow-cpu.

View all tensorflow-cpu vulnerabilities →