CVE-2021-41214: TensorFlow CPU - Shape Inference Code Null Pointer Dereference
Summary
CVE-2021-41214: TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow-cpu across 5 version ranges.
< 2.4.4
>= 2.5.0, < 2.5.2
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.1
>= 2.7.0rc0, < 2.7.0
< fa6b7782fbb14aa08d767bc799c531f5e1fb3bb8
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-2021-41214 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 CPU is a specific package that focuses on running TensorFlow on CPUs. It is widely used in various industries and research domains for machine learning tasks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2021-41214) exists in the shape inference code for tf.ragged.cross in TensorFlow CPU. The issue arises from binding a reference to nullptr, resulting in undefined behavior. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a null pointer dereference, leading to a crash or potential code execution. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of TensorFlow CPU, including 2.4.4, 2.5.2, 2.6.1, and 2.7.0rc0. The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the specific usage of TensorFlow CPU in an application.
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.
-
< 2.4.42.4.4pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.4.4" -
>= 2.5.0, < 2.5.22.5.2pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.5.2" -
>= 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 mentioned for this vulnerability. The recommended approach is to update TensorFlow CPU to the patched version.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vulnerability (CVE-2021-41214) in TensorFlow CPU's shape inference code for tf.ragged.cross can lead to a null pointer dereference, potentially resulting in a crash or code execution. Users are advised to update their TensorFlow CPU installation to the latest patched version or apply the respective patches for the affected versions. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow-cpu →
FAQ
TensorFlow CPU is a package that allows running TensorFlow on CPUs, providing machine learning capabilities without the need for specialized hardware accelerators like GPUs.
The vulnerability can lead to a null pointer dereference, potentially causing a crash or enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability affects TensorFlow CPU versions 2.4.4, 2.5.2, 2.6.1, and 2.7.0rc0.
To fix the vulnerability, update TensorFlow CPU to version 2.7.0 or apply the respective patches for the affected versions.
No specific workaround is mentioned. It is recommended to update TensorFlow CPU to the patched version.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for tensorflow-cpu.
