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AVID-2026-R0987
Description
Memory leak in decoding PNG images in Tensorflow (CVE-2022-23585)
Details
Tensorflow is an Open Source Machine Learning Framework. When decoding PNG images TensorFlow can produce a memory leak if the image is invalid. After calling png::CommonInitDecode(..., &decode), the decode value contains allocated buffers which can only be freed by calling png::CommonFreeDecode(&decode). However, several error case in the function implementation invoke the OP_REQUIRES macro which immediately terminates the execution of the function, without allowing for the memory free to occur. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.8.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.7.1, TensorFlow 2.6.3, and TensorFlow 2.5.3, as these are also affected and still in supported range.
Reason for inclusion in AVID: CVE-2022-23585 describes a memory leak in TensorFlow’s PNG decoding path, a core AI software stack dependency. The issue can cause resource exhaustion (memory leak) via error paths in image decoding, affecting AI model training/inference pipelines that rely on TensorFlow. It is a software supply chain vulnerability since it resides in a widely used AI framework and impacts components used to build/run AI systems. The report provides CVE details, affected components, and references, supporting classification as a security/safety vulnerability with actionable fixes. Therefore, it satisfies all four label checks.
References
- NVD entry
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-fq6p-6334-8gr4
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/ab51e5b813573dc9f51efa335aebcf2994125ee9
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/a1320ec1eac186da1d03f033109191f715b2b130/tensorflow/core/kernels/image/decode_image_op.cc#L322-L416
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:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L |
| Base Score | 4.3 |
| Base Severity | 🟠 Medium |
| Attack Vector | NETWORK |
| Attack Complexity | 🟢 Low |
| Privileges Required | 🟢 Low |
| User Interaction | NONE |
| Scope | UNCHANGED |
| Confidentiality Impact | NONE |
| Integrity Impact | NONE |
| Availability Impact | 🟢 Low |
CWE
| ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-401 | CWE-401: Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime |
Other information
- Report Type: Advisory
- Credits:
- Date Reported: 2022-02-04
- Version: 0.3.3
- AVID Entry