Insecure temporary file in Tensorflow
Impact
In multiple places, TensorFlow uses tempfile.mktemp to create temporary files. While this is acceptable in testing, in utilities and libraries it is dangerous as a different process can create the file between the check for the filename in mktemp and the actual creation of the file by a subsequent operation (a TOC/TOU type of weakness).
In several instances, TensorFlow was supposed to actually create a temporary directory instead of a file. This logic bug is hidden away by the mktemp function usage.
Patches
We have patched the issue in several commits, replacing mktemp with the safer mkstemp/mkdtemp functions, according to the usage pattern.
The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.8.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.7.1, TensorFlow 2.6.3, and TensorFlow 2.5.3, 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 on huntr.dev for one scenario and discovered via variant analysis on other instances.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow | < 2.5.3, >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.3, >= 2.7.0, < 2.7.1 | 2.5.3, 2.6.3, 2.7.1 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-cpu | < 2.5.3, >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.3 | 2.5.3, 2.6.3 |
| Python (PyPI) | tensorflow-gpu | < 2.5.3, >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.3 | 2.5.3, 2.6.3 |
References
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-wc4g-r73w-x8mm
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-23563
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-cpu/PYSEC-2022-72.yaml
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-gpu/PYSEC-2022-127.yaml
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow
- https://pypi.org/project/tensorflow
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-wc4g-r73w-x8mm
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-367, CWE-668- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
tensorflow, tensorflow-cpu, tensorflow-gpu- Disclosed
- 04.02.2022
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 14:18
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2022-72 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2022-127 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-wc4g-r73w-x8mm - CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2026-3253 - PyPA Advisory Database; 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
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