CVE-2021-37662
CVE-2021-37662 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Tensorflow with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-824.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.1)
- CVSS v2: 4.6
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (9th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-824
- Affected product: Google Tensorflow
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. In affected versions an attacker can generate undefined behavior via a reference binding to nullptr in `BoostedTreesCalculateBestGainsPerFeature` and similar attack can occur in `BoostedTreesCalculateBestFeatureSplitV2`. The [implementation](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/84d053187cb80d975ef2b9684d4b61981bca0c41/tensorflow/core/kernels/boosted_trees/stats_ops.cc) does not validate the input values. We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 9c87c32c710d0b5b53dc6fd3bfde4046e1f7a5ad and in commit 429f009d2b2c09028647dd4bb7b3f6f414bbaad7. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.6.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, and TensorFlow 2.3.4, as these are also affected and still in supported range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2021-37662?
- TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. In affected versions an attacker can generate undefined behavior via a reference binding to nullptr in `BoostedTreesCalculateBestGainsPerFeature` and similar attack can occur in `BoostedTreesCalculateBestFeatureSplitV2`. The [implementation](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/84d053187cb80d975ef2b9684d4b61981bca0c41/tensorflow/core/kernels/boosted_trees/stats_ops.cc) does not validate the input values. We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 9c87c32c710d0b5b53dc6fd3bfde4046e1f7a5ad and in commit 429f009d2b2c09028647dd4bb7b3f6f414bbaad7. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.6.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.5.1, TensorFlow 2.4.3, and TensorFlow 2.3.4, as these are also affected and still in supported range.
- How severe is CVE-2021-37662?
- CVE-2021-37662 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2021-37662 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (9th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2021-37662?
- CVE-2021-37662 primarily affects Google Tensorflow. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2021-37662?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2021-37662 published?
- CVE-2021-37662 was published on 2021-08-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/429f009d2b2c09028647dd4bb7b3f6f414bbaad7
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/9c87c32c710d0b5b53dc6fd3bfde4046e1f7a5ad
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-f5cx-5wr3-5qrc
Affected products (5)
- cpe:2.3:a:google:tensorflow:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:google:tensorflow:2.5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:google:tensorflow:2.6.0:rc0:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:google:tensorflow:2.6.0:rc1:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:google:tensorflow:2.6.0:rc2:*:*:*:*:*:*
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