CVE-2023-25665 : What You Need to Know

This CVE refers to a vulnerability identified in TensorFlow that results in a Null Pointer Error in SparseSparseMaximum function.

Understanding CVE-2023-25665

This section will provide insights into the nature of the CVE-2023-25665 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-25665?

The vulnerability in TensorFlow, a popular open-source platform for machine learning, specifically impacts versions prior to 2.12.0 and 2.11.1. It arises when invalid sparse tensors are provided as inputs to the

SparseSparseMaximum

function, leading to a null pointer error. A patch addressing this issue has been included in TensorFlow versions 2.12.0 and 2.11.1.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25665

The impact of CVE-2023-25665 is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 7.5. The vulnerability has a low attack complexity but can have severe consequences on the availability of affected systems. While it does not directly impact confidentiality, integrity, or require specific privileges, it poses a significant risk due to the potential null pointer error.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20657

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-25665.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of invalid sparse tensors in the

SparseSparseMaximum

function, leading to a null pointer error. This can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts TensorFlow versions earlier than 2.12.0 and 2.11.1. Systems running these versions are vulnerable to the null pointer error when encountering invalid sparse tensors in the

SparseSparseMaximum

function.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves providing maliciously crafted inputs in the form of invalid sparse tensors to trigger the null pointer error in the

SparseSparseMaximum

function. This could be part of a targeted attack aiming to disrupt machine learning processes or extract sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-25665 and enhance the security of TensorFlow installations, certain key steps can be taken.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update TensorFlow to version 2.12.0 or 2.11.1, which includes the necessary patch to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict input data to prevent the use of invalid sparse tensors that could trigger the null pointer error.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update TensorFlow and other software components to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched promptly.
Conduct vulnerability assessments and code reviews to identify and address potential weaknesses that could be exploited.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by TensorFlow to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-25665.
Implement a robust patch management process to apply updates promptly and effectively across all relevant systems.