CVE-2026-116499
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Arbitrary Code Execution in IBM Qiskit SDK

Publication date: 2026-11-08

Last updated on: 2026-11-08

Assigner: IBM Corporation

Description
IBM Qiskit SDK 1.4.2 through 2.6.2 could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code due to deserialization of untrusted data.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-11-08
Last Modified
2026-11-08
Generated
2026-11-08
AI Q&A
2026-11-08
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-116499
EUVD
EUVD-2026-119685

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
IBM Qiskit SDK From 1.4.2 (inc) to 2.6.2 (inc)

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Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-502 The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability in IBM Qiskit SDK versions 1.4.2 through 2.6.2 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code by exploiting deserialization of untrusted data. Specifically, a maliciously crafted QPY payload can execute arbitrary Python code embedded in a binary file without privilege escalation when deserializing QPY format versions below 13.

Detection Guidance

Check Qiskit SDK versions between 1.4.2 and 2.6.2 using pip show qiskit or pip list. Inspect files loaded via qiskit.qpy.load() for suspicious QPY payloads. Monitor for unexpected Python code execution or system changes.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution on affected systems. Attackers could gain control over the system, steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, or disrupt operations. Since Qiskit is used for quantum computing, attackers might target quantum computing environments or related infrastructure.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, violating GDPR's data protection requirements and HIPAA's safeguards for protected health information. Organizations using affected Qiskit versions may face compliance violations, legal penalties, and reputational damage due to potential data breaches or system compromises.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade Qiskit SDK to version 2.6.2 or later immediately. Avoid loading QPY files from untrusted sources. Disable QPY deserialization if possible until patched.

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