CVE-2021-37635: TensorFlow CPU - Out-of-Bounds Access in Sparse Reduction Operations
Summary
CVE-2021-37635: TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow-cpu across 3 version ranges.
>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.4
>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.3
< 87158f43f05f2720a374f3e6d22a7aaa3a33f750
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 · PyPI
- tensorflow · PyPI
- tensorflow-gpu · PyPI
The same CVE-2021-37635 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 within TensorFlow that focuses on utilizing CPU resources for machine learning tasks.
Vulnerability Detail
The implementation of sparse reduction operations in TensorFlow CPU versions prior to 2.6.0 can trigger accesses outside the bounds of heap allocated data. This vulnerability arises due to the failure of the implementation to validate reduction groups and corresponding indices, potentially leading to out-of-bounds memory access. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial-of-service condition, or obtain sensitive information from the affected system.
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.
-
>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.42.3.4pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.3.4" -
>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.32.4.3pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==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 known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to update to the patched versions of TensorFlow CPU as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in TensorFlow CPU versions prior to 2.6.0 allows for out-of-bounds access in sparse reduction operations. It is crucial to update to the patched versions (2.6.0, 2.5.1, 2.4.3, or 2.3.4) to mitigate the risk of potential code execution, denial-of-service, or information disclosure. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow-cpu →
FAQ
TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning that provides tools and resources for developing and deploying machine learning models.
TensorFlow CPU is a specific package within TensorFlow that focuses on utilizing CPU resources for machine learning tasks.
This vulnerability can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial-of-service condition, or obtain sensitive information from the affected system.
To fix this vulnerability, update TensorFlow CPU to version 2.6.0 or later. Alternatively, update to TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, or TensorFlow 2.3.4, which also include the fix.
No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update to the patched versions of TensorFlow CPU.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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