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
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| 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
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
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 1
- High 1
Disclosures per year
- 2025: 2
- 2026: 0
-
Qiskit allows arbitrary code execution decoding QPY format versions < 13 this entry
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.