CVE-2021-37635 : What You Need to Know

TensorFlow is an open-source platform for machine learning. The vulnerability lies in the sparse reduction operations of TensorFlow, allowing access outside the bounds of heap-allocated data. The issue has been patched in GitHub commit 87158f43f05f2720a374f3e6d22a7aaa3a33f750 and will be addressed in TensorFlow 2.6.0, with backports to versions 2.5.1, 2.4.3, and 2.3.4.

Understanding CVE-2021-37635

This section delves into the details of the identified vulnerability in TensorFlow.

What is CVE-2021-37635?

The vulnerability involves the implementation of sparse reduction operations in TensorFlow triggering accesses beyond heap data bounds, leading to potential security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37635

The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS base score of 7.3, indicating a high severity issue with significant confidentiality impact and high availability impact.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37635

Let's explore the technical aspects of the CVE in more detail.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises due to the lack of proper validation in the implementation of sparse reduction operations in TensorFlow, resulting in out-of-bounds heap access.

Affected Systems and Versions

The versions of TensorFlow affected by this vulnerability include >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.1, >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.3, and < 2.3.4.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally with low attack complexity and privileges required.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-37635.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update TensorFlow to the patched versions (2.6.0, 2.5.1, 2.4.3, 2.3.4) to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security measures and regularly update software to prevent potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates from TensorFlow to ensure your system is secure.