CVE-2022-29198 : Security Advisory and Response

TensorFlow is an open-source platform for machine learning. This CVE highlights a vulnerability in versions prior to 2.9.0, 2.8.1, 2.7.2, and 2.6.4 that could lead to a denial of service attack due to a lack of input validation in

tf.raw_ops.SparseTensorToCSRSparseMatrix

.

Understanding CVE-2022-29198

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability present in TensorFlow versions prior to 2.9.0, 2.8.1, 2.7.2, and 2.6.4.

What is CVE-2022-29198?

Prior to versions 2.9.0, 2.8.1, 2.7.2, and 2.6.4, TensorFlow's implementation of

tf.raw_ops.SparseTensorToCSRSparseMatrix

lacks input validation, enabling a denial of service exploit.

The Impact of CVE-2022-29198

The vulnerability allows an attacker to trigger a denial of service attack due to the absence of complete input argument validation. Versions 2.9.0, 2.8.1, 2.7.2, and 2.6.4 have patches to address this issue.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-29198

Below are the technical details regarding the vulnerability in TensorFlow.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from insufficient input argument validation in

tf.raw_ops.SparseTensorToCSRSparseMatrix

, leading to a

CHECK

-failure that can be exploited for a denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions prior to 2.9.0, 2.8.1, 2.7.2, and 2.6.4 of TensorFlow are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the lack of input validation in

tf.raw_ops.SparseTensorToCSRSparseMatrix

to launch denial of service attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against this vulnerability, certain actions can be taken to mitigate risks and prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their TensorFlow installations to versions 2.9.0, 2.8.1, 2.7.2, or 2.6.4, which contain patches addressing this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ robust input validation mechanisms and monitor for unusual spikes in resource consumption that could indicate a denial of service attack.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security updates provided by TensorFlow to ensure that known vulnerabilities are promptly addressed.