CVE-2021-37639: TensorFlow GPU - Null Pointer Dereference and Heap OOB Read Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2021-37639: TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow-gpu across 3 version ranges.
>= 2.3.0, < 2.3.4
>= 2.4.0, < 2.4.3
< 9e82dce6e6bd1f36a57e08fa85af213e2b2f2622
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-cpu · PyPI
The same CVE-2021-37639 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 GPU is a variant of TensorFlow that leverages the power of GPUs for accelerated computation. It is widely used in various industries and research domains for training and inference of machine learning models.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2021-37639) in TensorFlow GPU arises when restoring tensors via raw APIs without providing a tensor name. This can lead to a null pointer dereference, resulting in undefined behavior. Additionally, if the restoration index is outside the bounds of the tensor list, it can cause a heap out-of-bounds read. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to potentially execute arbitrary code or leak sensitive information from the affected system. The issue has been identified in the implementation of the tensor restoration process in TensorFlow GPU.
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.
-
>= 2.3.0, < 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 strongly recommended to apply the available patches to their TensorFlow GPU installations.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in TensorFlow GPU (CVE-2021-37639) can lead to null pointer dereferences and heap out-of-bounds reads. It is crucial for users to update their TensorFlow GPU installations to the patched versions (TensorFlow 2.6.0, TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, or TensorFlow 2.3.4) to mitigate the risk of exploitation. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow-gpu →
FAQ
TensorFlow GPU is a variant of TensorFlow that utilizes GPUs for accelerated computation in machine learning tasks.
This vulnerability can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or leak sensitive information from the affected system.
The vulnerability affects TensorFlow GPU versions 2.3.0 and above, including TensorFlow GPU 2.3.4, TensorFlow GPU 2.4.0, TensorFlow GPU 2.4.3, and TensorFlow GPU 2.5.1.
There are no known exploits for this vulnerability at the time of this advisory.
You can find more information about the vulnerability in the official TensorFlow GitHub repository and the PyPA advisory database.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for tensorflow-gpu.
