Crash in `tf.strings.substr` due to `CHECK`-fail
Impact
An attacker can cause a denial of service via CHECK-fail in tf.strings.substr with invalid arguments:
import tensorflow as tf
tf.strings.substr(input='abc', len=1, pos=[1,-1])
import tensorflow as tf
tf.strings.substr(input='abc', len=1, pos=[1,2])
Patches
We have received a patch for the issue in GitHub commit 890f7164b70354c57d40eda52dcdd7658677c09f.
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 in #46900 and fixed in #46974.
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/commit/890f7164b70354c57d40eda52dcdd7658677c09f
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-mmq6-q8r3-48fm
- https://github.com/tensorflow/issues/46974
- https://github.com/tensorflow/issues/46900
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-29617
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-cpu/PYSEC-2021-545.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-gpu/PYSEC-2021-743.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow/PYSEC-2021-254.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-755- 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-2021-254 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-545 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-743 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-mmq6-q8r3-48fm - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: tensorflow-cpu
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
- 430
- First → latest
- 04.2019 07.2024
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 6
- High 111
- Medium 208
- Low 105
Disclosures per year
- 2019: 7
- 2020: 35
- 2021: 200
- 2022: 166
- 2023: 21
- 2024: 1
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 0
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Crash in `tf.strings.substr` due to `CHECK`-fail this entry
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