CVE-2021-41208

Incomplete validation in boosted trees code

Description

TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning. In affected versions the code for boosted trees in TensorFlow is still missing validation. As a result, attackers can trigger denial of service (via dereferencing `nullptr`s or via `CHECK`-failures) as well as abuse undefined behavior (binding references to `nullptr`s). An attacker can also read and write from heap buffers, depending on the API that gets used and the arguments that are passed to the call. Given that the boosted trees implementation in TensorFlow is unmaintained, it is recommend to no longer use these APIs. We will deprecate TensorFlow's boosted trees APIs in subsequent releases. 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.

Category

8.8
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.01%
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-57wx-m983-2f88 third party advisory
https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/5c8c9a8bfe750f9743d0c859bae112060b216f5c third party advisory patch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2021-41208?
CVE-2021-41208 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2021-41208?
To fix CVE-2021-41208, 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-2021-41208 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2021-41208 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-2021-41208?
CVE-2021-41208 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.