# Qiskit arbitrary code execution in QPY deserialization

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/qiskit-arbitrary-code-execution-in-qpy-deserialization-9a28911c  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2025-03-14. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

Severity: low · CVSS 3.1 · Published 2025-03-14

Qiskit is an open-source quantum computing framework used by researchers and developers to design and simulate quantum circuits. A vulnerability in its QPY file deserialization allows attackers to execute arbitrary Python code by crafting a malicious QPY file, which could compromise any system using Qiskit to load untrusted quantum circuit files and lead to complete system takeover.

Technologies: [qiskit (PyPI)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/qiskit). Vendors: [PyPI](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/pypi).

## Quick answers

**Is This vulnerability exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of This vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is This vulnerability?** Low severity, with a CVSS score of 3.1, published 14 March 2025.

**Which products and versions are affected?** qiskit (PyPI) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,last_affected=1.4.1.

**Is there a fix for This vulnerability?** A patch was published on 2025-03-14: Fix available in Qiskit 1.4.2 and 2.0.0 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is This vulnerability attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected?** Check whether you run qiskit (PyPI) 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

This is a deserialization vulnerability (CWE-502) in Qiskit's qiskit.qpy.load() function affecting QPY format versions prior to 13. When a Python process deserializes a specially crafted QPY binary file, arbitrary Python code embedded in the payload is executed without requiring privilege escalation or user interaction. The attack vector is network-accessible if QPY files are loaded from untrusted remote sources. Affected versions range from 0.18.0 through 1.4.1; users should upgrade to version 1.4.2 or 2.0.0 or later.

## Affected products

- IBM Qiskit 0.18.0 through 1.4.1

## Timeline

- 2025-03-14: disclosed
- 2025-03-14: advisory: GHSA-3pwp-2fqj-6g2p marked as duplicate of GHSA-6m2c-76ff-6vrf and withdrawn
- 2025-03-14: patched: Fix available in Qiskit 1.4.2 and 2.0.0

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7185949](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7185949)

## Related threats

- [PYSEC-2026-3045 - Malciously crafted QPY files can allows Remote Attackers to Cause Denial of Service in Qiskit](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2025-1403-malciously-crafted-qpy-files-can-allows-remote-attackers-to-cause)
- [Qiskit allows arbitrary code execution decoding QPY format versions < 13](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2025-2000-qiskit-allows-arbitrary-code-execution-decoding-qpy-format)