Heap buffer overflow in `Transpose`
Impact
The shape inference function for Transpose is vulnerable to a heap buffer overflow:
import tensorflow as tf
@tf.function
def test():
y = tf.raw_ops.Transpose(x=[1,2,3,4],perm=[-10])
return y
test()This occurs whenever perm contains negative elements. The shape inference function does not validate that the indices in perm are all valid:
for (int32_t i = 0; i < rank; ++i) {
int64_t in_idx = data[i];
if (in_idx >= rank) {
return errors::InvalidArgument("perm dim ", in_idx,
" is out of range of input rank ", rank);
}
dims[i] = c->Dim(input, in_idx);
}where Dim(tensor, index) accepts either a positive index less than the rank of the tensor or the special value -1 for unknown dimensions.
Patches
We have patched the issue in GitHub commit c79ba87153ee343401dbe9d1954d7f79e521eb14.
The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.7.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.6.1, TensorFlow 2.5.2, and TensorFlow 2.4.4, 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 members of the Aivul Team from Qihoo 360.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow | >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.1, >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.2, < 2.4.4 | 2.6.1, 2.5.2, 2.4.4 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-cpu | >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.1, >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.2, < 2.4.4 | 2.6.1, 2.5.2, 2.4.4 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-gpu | >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.1, >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.2, < 2.4.4 | 2.6.1, 2.5.2, 2.4.4 |
References
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-3ff2-r28g-w7h9
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/c79ba87153ee343401dbe9d1954d7f79e521eb14
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-41216
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-cpu/PYSEC-2021-625.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-gpu/PYSEC-2021-823.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow/PYSEC-2021-408.yaml
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/8d72537c6abf5a44103b57b9c2e22c14f5f49698/tensorflow/core/ops/array_ops.cc#L121-L185
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-120, CWE-787- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
tensorflow, tensorflow-cpu, tensorflow-gpu- Disclosed
- 05.11.2021
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 13:19
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-408 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-625 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-823 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-3ff2-r28g-w7h9 - 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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Heap buffer overflow in `Transpose` this entry
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