CVE-2021-37681 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-37681, a high-severity vulnerability in TensorFlow Lite versions >= 2.3.4, 2.4.0 to < 2.4.3, and 2.5.0 to < 2.5.1 that allows for a null pointer exception. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
TensorFlow is an open-source platform for machine learning. A vulnerability has been identified in TensorFlow Lite versions >= 2.3.4, 2.4.0 to < 2.4.3, and 2.5.0 to < 2.5.1. The issue allows for a null pointer exception due to an error in the implementation of SVDF in TFLite.
Understanding CVE-2021-37681
This section will discuss the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-37681.
What is CVE-2021-37681?
The vulnerability in TensorFlow Lite allows for a null pointer error in the SVDF implementation. Specific functions can return null pointers, leading to potential exceptions.
The Impact of CVE-2021-37681
The vulnerability has a CVSSv3 base score of 7.8 (High severity) with a low attack complexity, local attack vector, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-37681
The technical details involve a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of null pointers in specific functions, leading to potential null pointer exceptions.
Affected Systems and Versions
TensorFlow Lite versions >= 2.3.4, 2.4.0 to < 2.4.3, and 2.5.0 to < 2.5.1 are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by triggering specific functions to return null pointers, potentially leading to a null pointer exception.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section covers immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and patching procedures.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update to the patched versions (2.6.0 and the backported fixes in 2.5.1, 2.4.3, and 2.3.4) to mitigate the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about security advisories from TensorFlow.
Patching and Updates
Regularly apply security patches released by TensorFlow to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of your systems.