Qiskit allows arbitrary code execution decoding QPY format versions < 13
Impact
A maliciously crafted QPY file can potentially execute arbitrary-code embedded in the payload without privilege escalation when deserializing QPY formats < 13. A python process calling Qiskit's qiskit.qpy.load() function could potentially execute any arbitrary Python code embedded in the correct place in the binary file as part of a specially constructed payload.
Patches
Fixed in Qiskit 1.4.2 and in Qiskit 2.0.0rc2
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | qiskit | < 1.4.2, >= 2.0.0rc1, < 2.0.0rc2 | 1.4.2, 2.0.0rc2 |
| Python (PyPI) | qiskit-terra | >= 0.18.0, <= 0.46.3 | no fix |
References
- https://github.com/Qiskit/qiskit/security/advisories/GHSA-6m2c-76ff-6vrf
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-2000
- https://github.com/Qiskit/qiskit
- https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7185949
- https://pypi.org/project/qiskit-terra
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-6m2c-76ff-6vrf
- https://pypi.org/project/qiskit
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-502- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
qiskit, qiskit-terra- Disclosed
- 14.03.2025
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 13:17
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2026-511 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-6m2c-76ff-6vrf - CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2026-510 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: qiskit-terra
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 2
- First → latest
- 02.2025 03.2025
- Without a fix
- 2
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 1
- High 1
Disclosures per year
- 2025: 2
- 2026: 0
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Qiskit allows arbitrary code execution decoding QPY format versions < 13 this entry
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