CVE-2021-37686 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In this article, you will learn about CVE-2021-37686, which involves an infinite loop vulnerability in TensorFlow Lite.

Understanding CVE-2021-37686

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-37686 vulnerability in TensorFlow Lite.

What is CVE-2021-37686?

CVE-2021-37686 involves an infinite loop vulnerability in TensorFlow Lite due to a logic bug in the strided slice implementation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37686

The vulnerability can allow an attacker to trigger an infinite loop, resulting from a newly added feature that can be exploited to create a crafted model.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37686

This section explores the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-37686 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a logic bug in the strided slice implementation in TensorFlow Lite, allowing attackers to cause an infinite loop by manipulating certain parameters.

Affected Systems and Versions

The only affected version is TensorFlow 2.6.0 due to the flaw in the strided slice implementation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by crafting a model with specific conditions that trigger the infinite loop in TensorFlow Lite.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section covers the mitigation and prevention strategies for CVE-2021-37686.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update TensorFlow to version 2.6.0 to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Developers should follow secure coding practices and regularly update software to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities.