CVE-2021-37641 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

TensorFlow, an open-source machine learning platform, was found to have a vulnerability known as Heap Out-of-Bounds in

RaggedGather

. This flaw could be exploited in certain versions of TensorFlow to trigger a read beyond the bounds of heap allocated buffers. The issue has been identified as CVE-2021-37641.

Understanding CVE-2021-37641

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

What is CVE-2021-37641?

In affected versions of TensorFlow, improper arguments to

tf.raw_ops.RaggedGather

can result in triggering a read operation beyond the allocated memory buffer. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37641

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high due to its potential to compromise the confidentiality of data. It has a CVSS base score of 7.3 (High).

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37641

This section provides the technical aspects of CVE-2021-37641.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the incorrect handling of arguments in

tf.raw_ops.RaggedGather

, allowing an attacker to read outside the boundaries of heap allocated buffers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of TensorFlow from 2.3.4 to 2.5.0 (exclusive) are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could potentially read data from areas outside the intended memory buffers, compromising the system's integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-37641, follow these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their TensorFlow installations to version 2.6.0, which contains the patch for this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

It is recommended to regularly update TensorFlow to the latest versions as they include security patches and enhancements.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to ensure the security of TensorFlow installations.