Vulnerability Description
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.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Tensorflow | < 1.15.2 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/5ac1b9e24ff6afc465756edf845d2e96Patch
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/releases/tag/v1.15.2Release Notes
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/releases/tag/v2.0.1Release Notes
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-977j-xj7q-2jr9ExploitPatchThird Party Advisory
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/5ac1b9e24ff6afc465756edf845d2e96Patch
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/releases/tag/v1.15.2Release Notes
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/releases/tag/v2.0.1Release Notes
- https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-977j-xj7q-2jr9ExploitPatchThird Party Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2020-5215?
CVE-2020-5215 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.0 (MEDIUM). 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 grap...
How severe is CVE-2020-5215?
CVE-2020-5215 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.0/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2020-5215?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Google Tensorflow.