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AVID-2026-R0838
Description
Incorrect validation of SaveV2 inputs in TensorFlow (CVE-2021-37648)
Details
TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. In affected versions the code for tf.raw_ops.SaveV2 does not properly validate the inputs and an attacker can trigger a null pointer dereference. The implementation uses ValidateInputs to check that the input arguments are valid. This validation would have caught the illegal state represented by the reproducer above. However, the validation uses OP_REQUIRES which translates to setting the Status object of the current OpKernelContext to an error status, followed by an empty return statement which just terminates the execution of the function it is present in. However, this does not mean that the kernel execution is finalized: instead, execution continues from the next line in Compute that follows the call to ValidateInputs. This is equivalent to lacking the validation. We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 9728c60e136912a12d99ca56e106b7cce7af5986. 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.
Reason for inclusion in AVID: This CVE describes a vulnerability in TensorFlow (AI framework) related to SaveV2 input validation, causing a null pointer dereference. TensorFlow is a core software dependency in AI pipelines, affecting the software supply chain for general-purpose AI systems. It is a security vulnerability with potential impact on availability and integrity.
References
- NVD entry
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-wp77-4gmm-7cq8
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/9728c60e136912a12d99ca56e106b7cce7af5986
Affected or Relevant Artifacts
- Developer: tensorflow
- Deployer: tensorflow
- Artifact Details:
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| System | tensorflow |
Impact
AVID Taxonomy Categorization
- Risk domains: Security
- SEP subcategories: S0100: Software Vulnerability
- Lifecycle stages: L06: Deployment
CVSS
| Version | 3.1 |
| Vector String | CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H |
| Base Score | 7.8 |
| Base Severity | 🔴 High |
| Attack Vector | LOCAL |
| Attack Complexity | 🟢 Low |
| Privileges Required | 🟢 Low |
| User Interaction | NONE |
| Scope | UNCHANGED |
| Confidentiality Impact | 🔴 High |
| Integrity Impact | 🔴 High |
| Availability Impact | 🔴 High |
CWE
| ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-476 | CWE-476: NULL Pointer Dereference |
Other information
- Report Type: Advisory
- Credits:
- Date Reported: 2021-08-12
- Version: 0.3.3
- AVID Entry