Heap buffer overflow in `RaggedBinCount`
Low2.5CVE-2021-29512 · Published May 21, 2021 · updated Jul 8, 2026
### Impact If the `splits` argument of `RaggedBincount` does not specify a valid [`SparseTensor`](https://www.tensorflow.org/api_docs/python/tf/sparse/SparseTensor), then an attacker can trigger a heap buffer overflow: ```python import tensorflow as tf tf.raw_ops.RaggedBincount(splits=[0], values=[1,1,1,1,1], size=5, weights=[1,2,3,4], binary_output=False) ``` This will cause a read from outside the bounds of the `splits` tensor buffer in the [implementation of the `RaggedBincount` op](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/8b677d79167799f71c42fd3fa074476e0295413a/tensorflow/core/kernels/bincount_op.cc#L430-L433): ```cc for (int idx = 0; idx < num_values; ++idx) { while (idx >= splits(batch_idx)) { batch_idx++; } ... } ``` Before the `for` loop, `batch_idx` is set to 0. The user controls the `splits` array, making it contain only one element, 0. Thus, the code in the `while` loop would increment `batch_idx` and then try to read `splits(1)`, which is outside of bounds. ### Patches We have patched the issue in GitHub commit [eebb96c2830d48597d055d247c0e9aebaea94cd5](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/eebb96c2830d48597d055d247...
Affected versions
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| tensorflow PyPI | >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.3 | 2.3.3 |
| >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.2 | 2.4.2 |
Details and references
### Impact If the `splits` argument of `RaggedBincount` does not specify a valid [`SparseTensor`](https://www.tensorflow.org/api_docs/python/tf/sparse/SparseTensor), then an attacker can trigger a heap buffer overflow: ```python import tensorflow as tf tf.raw_ops.RaggedBincount(splits=[0], values=[1,1,1,1,1], size=5, weights=[1,2,3,4], binary_output=False) ``` This will cause a read from outside the bounds of the `splits` tensor buffer in the [implementation of the `RaggedBincount` op](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/8b677d79167799f71c42fd3fa074476e0295413a/tensorflow/core/kernels/bincount_op.cc#L430-L433): ```cc for (int idx = 0; idx < num_values; ++idx) { while (idx >= splits(batch_idx)) { batch_idx++; } ... } ``` Before the `for` loop, `batch_idx` is set to 0. The user controls the `splits` array, making it contain only one element, 0. Thus, the code in the `while` loop would increment `batch_idx` and then try to read `splits(1)`, which is outside of bounds. ### Patches We have patched the issue in GitHub commit [eebb96c2830d48597d055d247c0e9aebaea94cd5](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/eebb96c2830d48597d055d247c0e9aebaea94cd5). The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.5.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.4.2 and TensorFlow 2.3.3, as these are also affected. ### For more information Please consult [our security guide](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/master/SECURITY.md) for more information regarding the security model and how to contact us with issues and questions. ### Attribution This vulnerability has been reported by members of the Aivul Team from Qihoo 360.
- CVSS 3.1
- CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L
- Severity from
- GitHub (reviewed advisory)
- Weakness
- CWE-120, CWE-787
- Also known as
- BIT-tensorflow-2021-29512, CVE-2021-29512, PYSEC-2021-149, PYSEC-2021-440, PYSEC-2021-638
- github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-4278-2v5v-65r4
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-29512
- github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/eebb96c2830d48597d055d247c0e9aebaea94cd5
- github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-cpu/PYSEC-2021-440.yaml
- github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-gpu/PYSEC-2021-638.yaml
- github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow/PYSEC-2021-149.yaml
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