CVE-2022-41886 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in

ImageProjectiveTransformV2

in TensorFlow could allow an attacker to cause a buffer overflow when a large output shape is provided. This CVE has been addressed in TensorFlow versions 2.11 and the fix will also be backported to versions 2.10.1, 2.9.3, and 2.8.4. Here's what you need to know about CVE-2022-41886.

Understanding CVE-2022-41886

TensorFlow is an open-source platform for machine learning. The overflow in

ImageProjectiveTransformV2

poses a security risk due to incorrect handling of buffer size calculations.

What is CVE-2022-41886?

The CVE-2022-41886 vulnerability stems from an overflow issue in the

ImageProjectiveTransformV2

function in TensorFlow. By providing a large output shape, it triggers a buffer overflow, potentially leading to a denial of service or the execution of arbitrary code.

The Impact of CVE-2022-41886

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a high impact on the availability of affected systems. Attackers with network access and minimal privileges could leverage this flaw to disrupt services or execute malicious payloads.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-41886

The following technical aspects of CVE-2022-41886 provide insight into the vulnerability's scope and implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the incorrect handling of buffer sizes in

ImageProjectiveTransformV2

, leading to a buffer overflow condition when processing large output shapes.

Affected Systems and Versions

TensorFlow versions affected:
TensorFlow >= 2.10.0 and < 2.10.1
TensorFlow >= 2.9.0 and < 2.9.3
TensorFlow < 2.8.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting inputs that trigger a buffer overflow in the

ImageProjectiveTransformV2

function, potentially causing service disruption or code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the mitigation strategies and preventive measures is crucial to safeguard your systems against CVE-2022-41886.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update TensorFlow to version 2.11 to apply the patch addressing CVE-2022-41886.
For versions still within the supported range, install the backported fix on TensorFlow 2.10.1, 2.9.3, and 2.8.4.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security assessments, and stay informed about security patches and updates for TensorFlow.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor TensorFlow security advisories and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation through this vulnerability.