CVE-2021-37649

7.7 HIGH 0.2% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

TensorFlow is an end-to-end open source platform for machine learning. The code for `tf.raw_ops.UncompressElement` can be made to trigger a null pointer dereference. The [implementation](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/f24faa153ad31a4b51578f8181d3aaab77a1ddeb/tensorflow/core/kernels/data/experimental/compression_ops.cc#L50-L53) obtains a pointer to a `CompressedElement` from a `Variant` tensor and then proceeds to dereference it for decompressing. There is no check that the `Variant` tensor contained a `CompressedElement`, so the pointer is actually `nullptr`. We have patched the issue in GitHub commit 7bdf50bb4f5c54a4997c379092888546c97c3ebd. 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.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2021-08-12 19:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-17 04:00 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 7.7 HIGH (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2021-08-12 19:15 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-17 04:00 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-476 · NULL pointer dereference
Record status: Modified

Affected

Google Tensorflow < 2.3.4
Google Tensorflow < 2.4.3
Google Tensorflow 2.5.0
Google Tensorflow 2.6.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.7

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: None
User interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: None
Integrity: High
Availability: High

Raw vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

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-2021-37649.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-37649. 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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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record