CVE-2021-41214: TensorFlow GPU - Shape Inference Code Null Pointer Dereference
Summary
CVE-2021-41214: TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning. Affects tensorflow-gpu 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-cpu · 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 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-2021-41214) exists in the shape inference code for the tf.ragged.cross function in TensorFlow GPU. In affected versions, the code has an undefined behavior due to binding a reference to nullptr. This can lead to crashes, memory corruption, or other unpredictable outcomes. The vulnerability was identified and reported by the PyPI advisory database. The TensorFlow team has addressed the issue and provided fixes in TensorFlow versions 2.7.0, 2.6.1, 2.5.2, and 2.4.4.
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.
-
< 2.4.42.4.4pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.4.4" -
>= 2.5.0, < 2.5.22.5.2pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.5.2" -
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.12.6.1pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.6.1" -
>= 2.7.0rc0, < 2.7.02.7.0pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-gpu==2.7.0"
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. The recommended approach is to apply the fix by upgrading to the patched versions of TensorFlow GPU.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vulnerability (CVE-2021-41214) in TensorFlow GPU's shape inference code for tf.ragged.cross can lead to crashes, memory corruption, or other unpredictable outcomes. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed versions of TensorFlow GPU (2.7.0, 2.6.1, 2.5.2, or 2.4.4) to mitigate the vulnerability. If you need further assistance or support in addressing this vulnerability, you can reach out to DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow-gpu →
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.
The vulnerability can lead to crashes, memory corruption, or other unpredictable outcomes when using the affected versions of TensorFlow GPU.
The vulnerability affects TensorFlow GPU versions 2.4.4, 2.5.2, 2.6.1, and 2.7.0rc0. It is recommended to upgrade to the fixed versions.
You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities, using just the Pipfile.lock file.
You can find more information about the vulnerability in the PyPI advisory database. The vulnerability is identified as PYSEC-2021-821.
References
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