Memory leak in decoding PNG images
Medium4.3CVE-2022-23585 · Published Feb 9, 2022 · updated Jul 13, 2026
### Impact When [decoding PNG images](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/a1320ec1eac186da1d03f033109191f715b2b130/tensorflow/core/kernels/image/decode_image_op.cc#L322-L416) TensorFlow can produce a memory leak if the image is invalid. After calling `png::CommonInitDecode(..., &decode)`, the `decode` value contains allocated buffers which can only be freed by calling `png::CommonFreeDecode(&decode)`. However, several error case in the function implementation invoke the `OP_REQUIRES` macro which immediately terminates the execution of the function, without allowing for the memory free to occur. ### Patches We have patched the issue in GitHub commit [ab51e5b813573dc9f51efa335aebcf2994125ee9](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/ab51e5b813573dc9f51efa335aebcf2994125ee9). The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.8.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.7.1, TensorFlow 2.6.3, and TensorFlow 2.5.3, as these are also affected and still in supported range. ### 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 ...
Affected versions
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| tensorflow PyPI | < 2.5.3 | 2.5.3 |
| >= 2.6.0, < 2.6.3 | 2.6.3 | |
| >= 2.7.0, < 2.7.1 | 2.7.1 |
Details and references
### Impact When [decoding PNG images](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/a1320ec1eac186da1d03f033109191f715b2b130/tensorflow/core/kernels/image/decode_image_op.cc#L322-L416) TensorFlow can produce a memory leak if the image is invalid. After calling `png::CommonInitDecode(..., &decode)`, the `decode` value contains allocated buffers which can only be freed by calling `png::CommonFreeDecode(&decode)`. However, several error case in the function implementation invoke the `OP_REQUIRES` macro which immediately terminates the execution of the function, without allowing for the memory free to occur. ### Patches We have patched the issue in GitHub commit [ab51e5b813573dc9f51efa335aebcf2994125ee9](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/ab51e5b813573dc9f51efa335aebcf2994125ee9). The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.8.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.7.1, TensorFlow 2.6.3, and TensorFlow 2.5.3, as these are also affected and still in supported range. ### 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.
- CVSS 3.1
- CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L
- Severity from
- GitHub (reviewed advisory)
- Weakness
- CWE-401
- Also known as
- BIT-tensorflow-2022-23585, CVE-2022-23585, PYSEC-2022-149, PYSEC-2022-94, PYSEC-2026-3174
- github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-fq6p-6334-8gr4
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-23585
- github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/ab51e5b813573dc9f51efa335aebcf2994125ee9
- github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-cpu/PYSEC-2022-94.yaml
- github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/tensorflow-gpu/PYSEC-2022-149.yaml
- github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow
- github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/a1320ec1eac186da1d03f033109191f715b2b130/tensorflow/core/kernels/image/decode_image_op.cc#L322-L416
More TensorFlow advisories
All TensorFlow| Date | Advisory | Severity | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 92022 | Use after free in `DecodePng` kernel | High7.6 | 2.5.3+2 more |
| Feb 92022 | Out of bounds write in Tensorflow | High8.8 | 2.5.3+2 more |
| Feb 92022 | Reachable Assertion in Tensorflow | High6.5 | 2.5.3+2 more |
| Feb 92022 | Insecure temporary file in Tensorflow | High7.1 | 2.5.3+2 more |
| Feb 92022 | Integer overflow in Tensorflow | High7.6 | 2.5.3+2 more |
| Feb 92022 | Out of bounds write in TFLite | High8.8 | 2.5.3+2 more |