CVE-2021-41203 : Security Advisory and Response

TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning. In affected versions, an attacker can trigger undefined behavior, integer overflows, and

CHECK

-fail crashes by manipulating saved checkpoints due to missing validation.

Understanding CVE-2021-41203

What is CVE-2021-41203?

TensorFlow versions < 2.4.4, >= 2.5.0, and >= 2.6.0 < 2.6.1 are prone to undefined behavior and crashes when external changes are made to checkpoints.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41203

The vulnerability poses a high severity risk, allowing attackers to cause undefined behavior, integer overflows, and crashes by manipulating TensorFlow checkpoints.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41203

Vulnerability Description

Attackers can induce undefined behavior, integer overflows, segfaults, and crashes by modifying saved TensorFlow checkpoints due to missing validation.

Affected Systems and Versions

TensorFlow versions < 2.4.4, >= 2.5.0, and >= 2.6.0 < 2.6.1 are impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by tampering with saved checkpoints from outside TensorFlow, triggering undefined behavior and crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade TensorFlow to version 2.7.0 or apply fixes available in TensorFlow 2.6.1, 2.5.2, and 2.4.4.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update TensorFlow to the latest version to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices and validate all input to prevent unauthorized modifications.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates from TensorFlow to address the vulnerability.