Shipped: Quantum Control-Plane Timing Attacks — Quantum Cybersecurity

An open-source quantum cybersecurity research proof of concept investigating how timing differences in classical quantum-control electronics can reveal sensitive information about quantum operations.

The project examines timing side-channel vulnerabilities in STM32-class control firmware and explores how variations in classical execution paths may expose information about quantum circuit behavior. It combines embedded-system timing analysis with quantum circuit simulations using Cirq, IBM Qiskit, and PennyLane.

The experimental framework also investigates constant-time execution and timing padding as potential countermeasures against information leakage.

The research highlights an often-overlooked security boundary in quantum computing: even when quantum operations are protected, the classical electronics coordinating those operations may introduce vulnerabilities.

Designed for quantum computing researchers, cybersecurity professionals, and developers exploring secure quantum infrastructure. This is an experimental research demonstration rather than a validated attack against commercial quantum hardware.