CVE-2021-29591: TensorFlow CPU - Infinite Loop and Stack Overflow Vulnerability

tensorflow-cpu Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

14/05/2021

Disclosed on

CVE-2021-29591

CVE

Yes i

Fix available

Unrated

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

CVE-2021-29591: TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow-cpu across 6 version ranges.

< 2.1.4 >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3 >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3 >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 < 9c1dc920d8ffb4893d6c9d27d1f039607b326743 < c6173f5fe66cdbab74f4f869311fe6aae2ba35f4

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-2021-29591 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 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 applications for machine learning tasks.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-29591 affects TensorFlow CPU. TFlite graphs in TensorFlow must not have loops between nodes. However, this condition was not properly checked, allowing an attacker to craft malicious models that would result in an infinite loop during evaluation. In certain cases, the infinite loop could lead to a stack overflow due to excessive recursive calls. The vulnerability specifically affects the While implementation in TensorFlow. By tricking the implementation into a scenario where both the body and loop subgraphs are the same, an attacker can exhaust the stack space by repeatedly calling the Eval function. This vulnerability can have severe consequences, including denial of service (DoS) attacks and potential remote code execution.

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

There is no specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by ensuring they are using the latest patched version of TensorFlow CPU.

Conclusion

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-29591 in TensorFlow CPU can lead to an infinite loop and stack overflow, potentially resulting in denial of service (DoS) attacks or remote code execution. It is crucial for users of TensorFlow CPU to update to the latest patched version, which includes the fix for this vulnerability. By keeping the software up to date, users can ensure the security and stability of their machine learning applications. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow-cpu →

FAQ

What is TensorFlow CPU?

TensorFlow CPU is a package that allows running TensorFlow on CPUs. It provides optimized CPU support for machine learning tasks.

What is the impact of this vulnerability?

The vulnerability can lead to an infinite loop during evaluation of TFlite graphs, potentially resulting in a denial of service (DoS) or remote code execution.

Which versions of TensorFlow CPU are affected?

The vulnerability affects TensorFlow CPU versions 2.1.4 and above, including versions 2.2.3, 2.3.3, and 2.4.2.

Are there any known exploits for this vulnerability?

There are no known public exploits for this vulnerability at the time of this report. However, it is important to apply the necessary patches and updates to mitigate the risk.

How can I update TensorFlow CPU to the patched version?

Users can update TensorFlow CPU by following the recommended upgrade process provided by the TensorFlow team. This typically involves updating the package using package managers like pip or conda.

References

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