CVE-2021-37642: TensorFlow ResourceScatterDiv Division by 0 Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2021-37642: 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
< 4aacb30888638da75023e6601149415b39763d76
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-2021-37642 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 building and deploying machine learning models. TensorFlow is widely used in various domains, including research, industry, and academia. The vulnerability identified in TensorFlow affects the tf.raw_ops.ResourceScatterDiv implementation, which is used for scatter division operations on resource variables.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in TensorFlow arises from a division by 0 error in the implementation of tf.raw_ops.ResourceScatterDiv. The vulnerable code fails to handle the division by 0 case separately, leading to potential runtime errors and incorrect results. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service or manipulate the results of scatter division operations. The vulnerability has been assigned CVE-2021-37642 and has been patched in TensorFlow commit 4aacb30888638da75023e6601149415b39763d76. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.6.0, and it has also been backported to TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, and TensorFlow 2.3.4.
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"
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the patch or update to the fixed versions of TensorFlow as mentioned in the 'how_to_fix' section.
Conclusion
The division by 0 vulnerability in TensorFlow's tf.raw_ops.ResourceScatterDiv implementation can lead to runtime errors and incorrect results. It is crucial to update TensorFlow to the patched versions or apply the provided fix to mitigate the vulnerability. Regularly updating your TensorFlow installation is recommended to ensure you have the latest security fixes. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow-cpu →
FAQ
TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning that provides a comprehensive set of tools and resources for building and deploying machine learning models.
The vulnerability in TensorFlow could lead to division by 0 errors and potential runtime issues. It may also allow attackers to manipulate the results of scatter division operations or cause denial of service.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring access to the code or installation.
No, not all versions of TensorFlow are affected. The vulnerability affects TensorFlow versions 2.3.0 and above. It has been patched in TensorFlow 2.6.0 and backported to TensorFlow 2.5.1, 2.4.3, and 2.3.4.
To update TensorFlow, you can use the package manager or update the source code from the GitHub repository. Refer to the 'how_to_fix' section for specific instructions.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for tensorflow-cpu.
