CHECK-fail in LSTM with zero-length input in TensorFlow
Impact
Running an LSTM/GRU model where the LSTM/GRU layer receives an input with zero-length results in a CHECK failure when using the CUDA backend.
This can result in a query-of-death vulnerability, via denial of service, if users can control the input to the layer.
Patches
We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 14755416e364f17fb1870882fa778c7fec7f16e3 and will release TensorFlow 2.4.0 containing the patch. TensorFlow nightly packages after this commit will also have the issue resolved.
Since this issue also impacts TF versions before 2.4, we will patch all releases between 1.15 and 2.3 inclusive.
For more information
Please consult our security guide for more information regarding the security model and how to contact us with issues and questions.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow | < 1.15.5, >= 2.0.0, < 2.0.4, >= 2.1.0, < 2.1.3, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.2, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.2 | 1.15.5, 2.0.4, 2.1.3, 2.2.2, 2.3.2 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-cpu | < 1.15.5, >= 2.0.0, < 2.0.4, >= 2.1.0, < 2.1.3, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.2, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.2 | 1.15.5, 2.0.4, 2.1.3, 2.2.2, 2.3.2 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-gpu | < 1.15.5, >= 2.0.0, < 2.0.4, >= 2.1.0, < 2.1.3, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.2, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.2 | 1.15.5, 2.0.4, 2.1.3, 2.2.2, 2.3.2 |
References
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-m648-33qf-v3gp
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/14755416e364f17fb1870882fa778c7fec7f16e3
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-26270
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-cpu/PYSEC-2020-301.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-gpu/PYSEC-2020-336.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow/PYSEC-2020-256.yaml
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-20- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
tensorflow, tensorflow-cpu, tensorflow-gpu- Disclosed
- 10.12.2020
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 13:19
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2020-256 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2020-301 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2020-336 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-m648-33qf-v3gp - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: tensorflow
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 433
- First → latest
- 04.2019 07.2024
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 6
- High 112
- Medium 210
- Low 105
Disclosures per year
- 2019: 7
- 2020: 35
- 2021: 200
- 2022: 169
- 2023: 21
- 2024: 1
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 0
-
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