CVE-2021-29565 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2021-29565 article provides insights into a null pointer dereference vulnerability in TensorFlow's

SparseFillEmptyRows

. It discusses the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2021-29565

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2021-29565, shedding light on the vulnerability's nature and implications.

What is CVE-2021-29565?

CVE-2021-29565 highlights a null pointer dereference issue within TensorFlow, potentially exploitable by attackers.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29565

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to trigger a null pointer dereference in TensorFlow, affecting various versions of the software.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29565

This section provides a detailed overview of the technical aspects associated with CVE-2021-29565.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from missing validation in the

tf.raw_ops.SparseFillEmptyRows

implementation, leading to a null pointer dereference under certain conditions.

Affected Systems and Versions

TensorFlow versions < 2.1.4, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3, and >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the

dense_shape

tensor to trigger a null pointer dereference.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-29565.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to update TensorFlow to version 2.5.0 to address this vulnerability. Users of affected versions should apply patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, regularly update software, and conduct security assessments to bolster defenses against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Users should ensure timely application of patches and stay informed about security updates to protect against potential exploits.