Heap buffer overflow in `SparseSplit`
Impact
An attacker can cause a heap buffer overflow in tf.raw_ops.SparseSplit:
import tensorflow as tf
shape_dims = tf.constant(0, dtype=tf.int64)
indices = tf.ones([1, 1], dtype=tf.int64)
values = tf.ones([1], dtype=tf.int64)
shape = tf.ones([1], dtype=tf.int64)
tf.raw_ops.SparseSplit(
split_dim=shape_dims, indices=indices, values=values,
shape=shape, num_split=1)
This is because the implementation accesses an array element based on a user controlled offset:
const int dim = input_tensor.indices().matrix<int64>()(i, split_dim);
int slice_index = GetSliceIndex(dim, split_size, residual);
num_values[slice_index]++;
This results in overriding values on the heap.
Patches
We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 8ba6fa29cd8bf9cef9b718dc31c78c73081f5b31.
The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.5.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.4.2, TensorFlow 2.3.3, TensorFlow 2.2.3 and TensorFlow 2.1.4, as these are also affected and still in supported range.
For more information
Please consult our security guide for more information regarding the security model and how to contact us with issues and questions.
Attribution
This vulnerability has been reported by Ying Wang and Yakun Zhang of Baidu X-Team.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow | < 2.1.4, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3, >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 | 2.1.4, 2.2.3, 2.3.3, 2.4.2 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-cpu | < 2.1.4, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3, >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 | 2.1.4, 2.2.3, 2.3.3, 2.4.2 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-gpu | < 2.1.4, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3, >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 | 2.1.4, 2.2.3, 2.3.3, 2.4.2 |
References
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-mqh2-9wrp-vx84
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/8ba6fa29cd8bf9cef9b718dc31c78c73081f5b31
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-29558
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-cpu/PYSEC-2021-486.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-gpu/PYSEC-2021-684.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow/PYSEC-2021-195.yaml
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-787- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
tensorflow, tensorflow-cpu, tensorflow-gpu- Disclosed
- 14.05.2021
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 13:19
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-195 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-486 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-684 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-mqh2-9wrp-vx84 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: tensorflow-gpu
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 427
- First → latest
- 04.2019 07.2024
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 6
- High 109
- Medium 207
- Low 105
Disclosures per year
- 2019: 7
- 2020: 35
- 2021: 200
- 2022: 166
- 2023: 18
- 2024: 1
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 0
-
Heap buffer overflow in `SparseSplit` this entry
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