CVE-2021-41211: TensorFlow Heap Out-of-Bounds Read in QuantizeV2
Summary
CVE-2021-41211: TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow-cpu across 3 version ranges.
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.1
>= 2.7.0rc0, < 2.7.0
< a0d64445116c43cf46a5666bd4eee28e7a82f244
Fixed in 2.6.1 or 2.7.0, 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-2021-41211 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 allows users to build and train neural networks, perform data preprocessing and augmentation, and deploy models in various environments. It is widely used in both research and production settings for a wide range of machine learning tasks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41211 affects TensorFlow versions 2.6.0 to 2.6.1 and 2.7.0rc0 to 2.7.0. The issue lies in the shape inference code for the QuantizeV2 operation. When the axis parameter is a negative value less than -1, the code can trigger a read outside the bounds of a heap-allocated array. This results in a heap out-of-bounds read, accessing data before the start of a heap buffer. The code assumes that axis is a valid index into the dimensions of the input tensor, but if it is less than -1, the vulnerability occurs. The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the specific usage scenario, but it could potentially lead to information disclosure or denial of service.
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.
-
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.12.6.1pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.6.1" -
>= 2.7.0rc0, < 2.7.02.7.0pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.7.0"
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. The recommended course of action is to update to the fixed versions of TensorFlow as soon as they are released.
Conclusion
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41211 in TensorFlow can result in a heap out-of-bounds read when the axis parameter is a negative value less than -1. This can potentially lead to information disclosure or denial of service. Users are advised to update their TensorFlow installations to the fixed versions (2.6.1 or 2.7.0) as soon as they become available. Regularly monitoring for security advisories and following best practices for secure software development and deployment is also recommended. 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 libraries for developing and deploying machine learning models.
The vulnerability affects TensorFlow versions 2.6.0 to 2.6.1 and 2.7.0rc0 to 2.7.0.
The impact can vary depending on the specific usage scenario, but it could potentially lead to information disclosure or denial of service.
The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.7.0 and cherrypicked for TensorFlow 2.6.1. Users should update their installations to the fixed versions.
No specific workarounds are provided. Updating to the fixed versions is the recommended action.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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