CVE-2021-29545: Denial of Service in TensorFlow
Summary
CVE-2021-29545: TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow-gpu across 5 version ranges.
< 1e922ccdf6bf46a3a52641f99fd47d54c1decd13
>= 2.2.0, < 2.3.0rc0
< 2.2.0rc0
>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.4
>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.3
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-cpu · PyPI
The same CVE-2021-29545 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 supports various operations, including converting sparse tensors to CSR Sparse matrices. However, a vulnerability in this operation can be exploited by an attacker to trigger a denial of service.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a CHECK-fail in the conversion process of sparse tensors to CSR Sparse matrices. The implementation of this operation performs a double redirection to access an element of an array allocated on the heap. If the value at indices(i, 0) is such that indices(i, 0) + 1 is outside the bounds of csr_row_ptr, it results in writing outside the bounds of the heap-allocated data. This can lead to a crash or other adverse effects, causing a denial of service. The issue has been identified in TensorFlow versions 2.1.4 to 2.4.3, as well as TensorFlow 2.5.0.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 2.12.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.12.0"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.
-
< 2.2.0rc02.2.0rc0pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.2.0rc0" -
>= 2.2.0, < 2.3.0rc02.3.0rc0pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.3.0rc0" -
>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.42.3.4pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.3.4" -
>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.32.4.3pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==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 specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. Users are recommended to apply the fix by updating to the patched versions of TensorFlow.
Conclusion
The identified vulnerability in TensorFlow can be exploited to trigger a denial of service. Users are advised to update their TensorFlow installations to the latest patched versions to mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow-gpu →
FAQ
TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning, providing tools and resources for developing and deploying machine learning models.
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to trigger a denial of service, potentially leading to a crash or other adverse effects.
The vulnerability affects TensorFlow versions 2.1.4 to 2.4.3, as well as TensorFlow 2.5.0.
To fix the vulnerability, users should update their TensorFlow installations to the latest patched versions.
No specific workaround is provided for this vulnerability. Updating to the patched versions is the recommended solution.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for tensorflow-gpu.
