CVE-2022-23576 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Tensorflow is an open-source machine learning framework that was found to be vulnerable to an integer overflow in the

OpLevelCostEstimator::CalculateOutputSize

implementation. This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker creating an operation involving tensors with a large number of elements. The issue affects versions of Tensorflow up to 2.7.0 and has a fix included in version 2.8.0. Additionally, versions 2.7.1, 2.6.3, and 2.5.3 are also impacted and will have the fix applied.

Understanding CVE-2022-23576

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability and its impact.

What is CVE-2022-23576?

The vulnerability in Tensorflow arises from an integer overflow in the

OpLevelCostEstimator::CalculateOutputSize

function, potentially leading to security risks when dealing with large tensor elements.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23576

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 6.5 due to its potential for a high impact on availability but no impact on confidentiality or integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23576

Here, we explore the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The integer overflow vulnerability in Tensorflow stems from calculations involving operation size and tensor dimensions, enabling potential exploitation by malicious actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Tensorflow versions >= 2.7.0 and < 2.7.1, >= 2.6.0 and < 2.6.3, and < 2.5.3 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can trigger the integer overflow by manipulating tensor dimensions sufficiently to exceed multiplication bounds within the

output_shape.dim()

function.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2022-23576.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Tensorflow installations to version 2.8.0 to apply the fix for the integer overflow vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing secure coding methodologies, regular security audits, and prompt application of security patches can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Tensorflow versions 2.7.1, 2.6.3, and 2.5.3 will receive the necessary patches to address the CVE-2022-23576 vulnerability and ensure continued support and security.