CVE-2021-29533 : Security Advisory and Response

TensorFlow is an open-source platform for machine learning. CVE-2021-29533 allows an attacker to trigger a denial of service by exploiting a

CHECK

failure in

DrawBoundingBoxes

function. The vulnerability affects TensorFlow versions < 2.1.4, >= 2.2.0 and < 2.2.3, >= 2.3.0 and < 2.3.3, and >= 2.4.0 and < 2.4.2. The impact is rated as LOW with a CVSS base score of 2.5.

Understanding CVE-2021-29533

This section provides insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2021-29533?

CVE-2021-29533 details a vulnerability in TensorFlow that can be exploited to cause a denial of service through a

CHECK

failure in the

DrawBoundingBoxes

function.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29533

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as LOW, with a CVSS base score of 2.5. An attacker could utilize this flaw to trigger a denial of service attack.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29533

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability to provide a deeper understanding of its behavior and implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the use of

CHECK_*

assertions instead of

OP_REQUIRES

in the implementation, resulting in a denial of service when an empty image is passed to

DrawBoundingBoxes

.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects TensorFlow versions < 2.1.4, >= 2.2.0 and < 2.2.3, >= 2.3.0 and < 2.3.3, and >= 2.4.0 and < 2.4.2.

Exploitation Mechanism

By triggering a

CHECK

failure through user-controlled inputs, an attacker can exploit the vulnerability to cause a denial of service by passing an empty image.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-29533 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade to TensorFlow version 2.5.0 or apply the necessary patches to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating secure coding practices, regular security audits, and monitoring for updates are essential for long-term security.

Patching and Updates

The fix for CVE-2021-29533 is included in TensorFlow 2.5.0. Additionally, patches have been cherrypicked for TensorFlow versions 2.4.2, 2.3.3, 2.2.3, and 2.1.4 to address the vulnerability.