CVE-2021-41206 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-41206 affecting TensorFlow versions 2.4.4 to 2.6.1. Understand the high impact of incomplete tensor shape validation leading to crashes and data vulnerabilities.
TensorFlow is an open-source platform for machine learning. In affected versions, several TensorFlow operations lack validation for the shapes of tensor arguments, leading to potential crashes and data vulnerabilities.
Understanding CVE-2021-41206
TensorFlow's vulnerability lies in incomplete validation of shapes for tensor arguments, potentially resulting in undefined behavior, crashes, and data exposure.
What is CVE-2021-41206?
TensorFlow versions suffer from missing validation for tensor shapes in various operations, posing risks of data corruption, crashes, and potential exploits.
The Impact of CVE-2021-41206
The vulnerability carries a high severity score (CVSS 7.0) with impacts on integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Attack complexity is high, requiring low privileges, and the attack vector is local.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-41206
Incomplete validation of shapes in multiple TensorFlow operations expose systems to severe risks.
Vulnerability Description
The issue stems from unvalidated tensor shapes in TensorFlow operations, leading to crashes, undefined behavior, and potential heap array vulnerabilities.
Affected Systems and Versions
- TensorFlow >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.1
- TensorFlow >= 2.5.0, < 2.5.2
- TensorFlow < 2.4.4
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: High
- Privileges Required: Low
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Unchanged
- Vector String: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate patching and long-term security measures are crucial to safeguard systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-provided patches immediately
- Monitor official TensorFlow announcements for fixes
- Review and update security configurations
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update TensorFlow to the latest version
- Conduct security assessments and code reviews
- Stay informed about TensorFlow security updates
Patching and Updates
- Fixes for this vulnerability will be included in TensorFlow 2.7.0
- Cherrypicked commits available for TensorFlow 2.6.1, 2.5.2, and 2.4.4