CVE-2021-41201

Name: CVE-2021-41201
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-11-05T20:15:08.097+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.24%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-41201 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning. In affeced versions during execution, `EinsumHelper::ParseEquation()` is supposed to set the flags in `input_has_ellipsis` vector and `*output_has_ellipsis` boolean to indicate whether there is ellipsis in the corresponding inputs and output. EPSS estimates a 0.24% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

TensorFlow is an open source platform for machine learning. In affeced versions during execution, `EinsumHelper::ParseEquation()` is supposed to set the flags in `input_has_ellipsis` vector and `*output_has_ellipsis` boolean to indicate whether there is ellipsis in the corresponding inputs and output. However, the code only changes these flags to `true` and never assigns `false`. This results in unitialized variable access if callers assume that `EinsumHelper::ParseEquation()` always sets these flags. The fix will be included in TensorFlow 2.7.0. We will also cherrypick this commit on TensorFlow 2.6.1, TensorFlow 2.5.2, and TensorFlow 2.4.4, as these are also affected and still in supported range.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.24%

15.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Google	Tensorflow	< 2.4.4
Google	Tensorflow	>= 2.5.0, < 2.5.2
Google	Tensorflow	2.6.0

References

https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/f09caa532b6e1ac8d2aa61b7832c78c5b79300c6Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-j86v-p27c-73fmExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/f09caa532b6e1ac8d2aa61b7832c78c5b79300c6Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/security/advisories/GHSA-j86v-p27c-73fmExploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 5, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-41201?

How severe is CVE-2021-41201?

CVE-2021-41201 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.24% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-41201?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-41201?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST