# CVE-2026-2492: TensorFlow privilege escalation via uncontrolled HDF5 plugin search path

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-2492-tensorflow-privilege-escalation-via-uncontrolled-hdf5-plugin  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-02-20. Updated: 2026-06-30  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-2492 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-02-20

A vulnerability in the TensorFlow machine learning library could allow a user with limited access to a system to gain higher-level permissions. This occurs because the software attempts to load plugin components from an insecure folder location that a malicious user can control. If exploited, an attacker could execute their own code with the privileges of another user, potentially compromising sensitive data or system integrity.

Technologies: [Google TensorFlow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/tensorflow). Vendors: [Google](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/google).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-2492 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-2492 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-2492?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 20 February 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Google TensorFlow 2.17.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-2492?** A patch was published on 2026-04-23: Red Hat released updates for OpenShift AI 2.25.5 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-2492 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-2492?** Check whether you run Google TensorFlow at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A flaw exists in TensorFlow's handling of HDF5 library plugins (CWE-427). The application attempts to load plugins from an unsecured or uncontrolled search path, allowing a local attacker to place a malicious library in the path. To exploit this, an attacker must already have the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system. Successful exploitation leads to arbitrary code execution and privilege escalation to the level of the user running the TensorFlow application. The fix involves disabling external HDF5 plugin loading by setting the HDF5_PLUGIN_PATH environment variable to 'disable' during the h5py import process.

## Affected products

- TensorFlow TensorFlow 2.17.0
- Red Hat Red Hat OpenShift AI 2.25

## Timeline

- 2025-03-11: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2026-02-19: advisory: ZDI advisory published
- 2026-02-20: disclosed: CVE published to NVD
- 2026-04-23: patched: Red Hat released updates for OpenShift AI 2.25.5

## References

- [https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/46e7f7fb144fd11cf6d17c23dd47620328d77082](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/commit/46e7f7fb144fd11cf6d17c23dd47620328d77082)
- [https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-116/](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-116/)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:10184](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:10184)
- [https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-2492](https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-2492)
- [https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2441510](https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2441510)
- [https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-2492.json](https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-2492.json)

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