CVE-2025-1403: Qiskit SDK 0.45.0 through 1.2.4 could allow a remote attacker to cause a denial of service using a maliciously

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HIGH 8.6REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2025-1403 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.6) affecting qiskit. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Qiskit SDK 0.45.0 through 1.2.4 could allow a remote attacker to cause a denial of service using a maliciously crafted QPY file containing a malformed symengine serialization stream which can cause a segfault within the symengine library.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.6 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 46%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-502
Published	2025-02-21
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): IBM Corporation · Vendor: ibm

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-02-21 17:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 08:39 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ibm qiskit UPGRADE

Affected: >= 0.45.0 and <= 1.2.4

Fixed in: newer than 1.2.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.45.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy qiskit || rpm -q qiskit || qiskit --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.2.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade qiskit

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade qiskit

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.45.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison qiskit sudo apt install qiskit=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.45.0> sudo apt-mark hold qiskit

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list qiskit sudo dnf downgrade qiskit-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.45.0> sudo dnf versionlock add qiskit

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2025-1403?

qiskit: upgrade to newer than 1.2.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2025-1403 being exploited?

CVE-2025-1403 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2025-1403 affect?

CVE-2025-1403 affects qiskit. Severity is high (CVSS 8.6). Qiskit SDK 0.45.0 through 1.2.4 could allow a remote attacker to cause a denial of service using a maliciously crafted QPY file containing a malformed symengine serialization stream which can cause a segfault within the symengine library.

How urgent is CVE-2025-1403?

Priority 49/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2025-2000 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE A maliciously crafted QPY file can potential execute arbitrary-code embedded in the payload without privilege

References

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