Cybersecurity researchers have identified significant firmware vulnerabilities in the Illumina iSeq 100 DNA sequencing instrument. These weaknesses could allow attackers to either disable the device (rendering it inoperative) or install persistent malware on the systems.

In a report from Eclypsium, it was noted that the iSeq 100 utilizes an outdated version of BIOS firmware, which lacks essential security features like Secure Boot and standard firmware write protections. This vulnerability could give an attacker the ability to overwrite the system firmware, leading to either device bricking or the installation of malicious firmware implants for persistent access.

Eclypsium emphasized that the iSeq 100 still operates on an old BIOS version (B480AM12 – 04/12/2018) that possesses known vulnerabilities. The absence of protections that confine where firmware can be read and written allows unauthorized modifications to the device’s firmware unchecked. Their report highlighted the risks of maintaining Compatibility Support Mode (CSM) for newer, high-value systems, as CSM is typically used for older devices that cannot be updated.

The potential for exploitation raises concerns in a hypothetical attack scenario, where an unpatched device could be targeted. An adversary might exploit these vulnerabilities to elevate their privileges and deploy arbitrary code directly to the firmware.

This incident is part of a broader context, as vulnerabilities in DNA sequencing technology, specifically from Illumina, have been previously disclosed. In April 2023, a critical flaw (CVE-2023-1968) was reported, which could have allowed remote command execution and eavesdropping on network traffic.

Eclypsium warned that the ability to overwrite firmware poses a severe risk during ransomware attacks, as disabling critical sequencing devices would disrupt vital operations, such as detecting genetic illnesses and producing vaccines. This makes such systems attractive targets for both financially motivated cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors with geopolitical agendas.

In response to these findings, Illumina has issued a security patch to address the vulnerabilities identified in their devices.

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