CVE-2022-36000: TensorFlow CPU Null Dereference Vulnerability in Eig Function
Summary
CVE-2022-36000: TensorFlow vulnerable to null dereference on MLIR on empty function attributes. Affects tensorflow-cpu across 3 version ranges.
< 2.7.2
>= 2.8.0, < 2.8.1
>= 2.9.0, < 2.9.1
Fixed in 2.7.2, 2.8.1 or 2.9.1, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- tensorflow · PyPI
- tensorflow-gpu · PyPI
- tensorflow · Bitnami
- tensorflow · PyPI
The same CVE-2022-36000 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
TensorFlow is an open-source machine learning library widely used for various applications, including deep learning and neural networks. It provides a flexible ecosystem for building and deploying machine learning models. However, certain versions of TensorFlow CPU have been found to be vulnerable to a null dereference issue in the Eig function, which can lead to denial of service attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises when the Eig function is fed an incorrect Tout input, which can cause a CHECK fail. This failure can lead to a denial of service, making the application unresponsive. The issue is particularly critical as it can be exploited by providing malformed input, potentially affecting the stability of applications relying on TensorFlow.
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.
-
< 2.7.22.7.2pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.7.2" -
>= 2.8.0, < 2.8.12.8.1pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.8.1" -
>= 2.9.0, < 2.9.12.9.1pip install --upgrade "tensorflow-cpu==2.9.1"
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the Eig function with incorrect Tout inputs. Ensure that the inputs provided to the function are valid and conform to the expected types to prevent triggering the vulnerability.
Conclusion
The CVE-2022-36000 vulnerability in TensorFlow CPU poses a significant risk due to its potential to cause denial of service through improper input handling in the Eig function. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to the patched versions to mitigate this risk.
See every vulnerability recorded for tensorflow-cpu →
FAQ
CVE-2022-36000 is a vulnerability in TensorFlow CPU that allows for a null dereference in the Eig function, potentially leading to denial of service.
The affected versions include TensorFlow CPU versions prior to 2.10.0, specifically 2.7.2, 2.8.0, 2.8.1, 2.9.0, and 2.9.1.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
If an immediate upgrade is not possible, ensure that you validate inputs to the Eig function to avoid triggering the vulnerability.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.9, indicating a moderate level of severity.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for tensorflow-cpu.
