CVE-2021-29615: TensorFlow GPU - Stack Overflow in ParseAttrValue
Summary
CVE-2021-29615: TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow-gpu across 5 version ranges.
< 2.1.4
>= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3
>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3
>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2
< e07e1c3d26492c06f078c7e5bf2d138043e199c1
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-2021-29615 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 GPU is a specific package that enables GPU acceleration for TensorFlow. It allows users to leverage the power of GPUs to accelerate their machine learning workflows.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2021-29615) in TensorFlow GPU arises from a stack overflow issue in the implementation of the ParseAttrValue function. This function, located in the attr_value_util.cc file, is responsible for parsing attribute values in TensorFlow. By providing a specially crafted input, an attacker can trigger a recursive call to ParseAttrValue, leading to a stack overflow. This vulnerability can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.
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.
-
< 2.1.42.1.4pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.1.4" -
>= 2.2.0, < 2.2.32.2.3pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.2.3" -
>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.32.3.3pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.3.3" -
>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.22.4.2pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.4.2"
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the fix by upgrading to the patched versions of TensorFlow GPU.
Conclusion
The vulnerability (CVE-2021-29615) in TensorFlow GPU can lead to a stack overflow when parsing attribute values, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or causing a denial-of-service condition. It is crucial to upgrade to the patched versions of TensorFlow GPU (2.5.0 or later) or apply the backported fixes in versions 2.4.2, 2.3.3, 2.2.3, or 2.1.4. Vulert's vulnerability monitoring service can help you identify if your application is affected by this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
TensorFlow GPU is a package that enables GPU acceleration for TensorFlow, allowing users to leverage the power of GPUs for faster machine learning computations.
This vulnerability can potentially be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition in systems using the affected versions of TensorFlow GPU.
The vulnerability affects TensorFlow GPU versions 2.1.4 and above, including versions 2.2.3, 2.3.3, 2.4.2, and any versions prior to the fix in 2.5.0.
There are no known instances of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild at the time of this advisory.
You can use Vulert's vulnerability monitoring service to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert analyzes your Pipfile.lock and provides real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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