Hacking quantum computers with row hammer attack

Abstract

We demonstrate a hardware vulnerability in quantum computing systems by exploiting cross-talk effects on an available commercial quantum computer (IBM). Specifically, based on the cross-talk produced by certain quantum gates, we implement a row hammer attack that ultimately allows us to flip a qubit. Both single-qubit and two-qubit operations are performed and analyzed. Our findings reveal that two-qubit operations applied near the target qubit significantly influence it through cross-talk, effectively compromising its state.