CVE-2021-37689

Null pointer dereference in TensorFlow Lite MLIR optimizations

Description

TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. In affected versions an attacker can craft a TFLite model that would trigger a null pointer dereference, which would result in a crash and denial of service. This is caused by the MLIR optimization of `L2NormalizeReduceAxis` operator. The [implementation](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/149562d49faa709ea80df1d99fc41d005b81082a/tensorflow/compiler/mlir/lite/transforms/optimize.cc#L67-L70) unconditionally dereferences a pointer to an iterator to a vector without checking that the vector has elements. We have patched the issue in GitHub commit d6b57f461b39fd1aa8c1b870f1b974aac3554955. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.6.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, and TensorFlow 2.3.4, as these are also affected and still in supported range.

Category

7.8
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.04%
Third-Party Advisory github.com Third-Party Advisory github.com
Affected: tensorflow tensorflow
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Link Tags
https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-wf5p-c75w-w3wh third party advisory
https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/d6b57f461b39fd1aa8c1b870f1b974aac3554955 third party advisory patch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2021-37689?
CVE-2021-37689 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2021-37689?
To fix CVE-2021-37689, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2021-37689 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2021-37689 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2021-37689?
CVE-2021-37689 affects tensorflow tensorflow.
This platform uses data from the NIST NVD, MITRE CVE, MITRE CWE, First.org and CISA KEV but is not endorsed or certified by these entities. CVE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CVE content is MITRE's CVE web site. CWE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CWE content is MITRE's CWE web site.
© 2025 Under My Watch. All Rights Reserved.