CVE-2020-5215

What it is

In TensorFlow before 1.15.2 and 2.0.1, converting a string (from Python) to a tf.float16 value results in a segmentation fault in eager mode as the format checks for this use case are only in the graph mode. This issue can lead to denial of service in inference/training where a malicious attacker can send a data point which contains a string instead of a tf.float16 value. Similar effects can be obtained by manipulating saved models and checkpoints whereby replacing a scalar tf.float16 value with a scalar string will trigger this issue due to automatic conversions. This can be easily reproduced by tf.constant("hello", tf.float16), if eager execution is enabled. This issue is patched in TensorFlow 1.15.1 and 2.0.1 with this vulnerability patched. TensorFlow 2.1.0 was released after we fixed the issue, thus it is not affected. Users are encouraged to switch to TensorFlow 1.15.1, 2.0.1 or 2.1.0.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account, but needs a user to act. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2020-01-28 22:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:21 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.0 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-01-28 22:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:21 UTC

Exploit probability

0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-754

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Google Tensorflow < 1.15.2
• Google Tensorflow < 2.0.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.0

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

Low

Availability

Low

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2020-5215.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-5215. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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