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A January 2025 report described a weakness in the Illumina iSeq 100’s BIOS and firmware protections that could let an attacker with access to the system overwrite its firmware. The potential consequences include making the instrument unusable or installing a persistent implant. The report says Illumina released a fix, but does not identify the version; operators should confirm the applicable update and installation steps with Illumina before acting.
What the reported iSeq 100 security flaw involves
The Hacker News reported on January 7, 2025, on findings by security researchers at Eclypsium. According to that report, the iSeq 100 used BIOS firmware B480AM12, dated April 12, 2018, ran in Compatibility Support Mode (CSM), and lacked Secure Boot and standard firmware write protections. The Hacker News report
Those protections help prevent unauthorized changes to firmware, the low-level software that starts and controls hardware. Eclypsium said the reported conditions could allow an attacker who had access to the system to overwrite its firmware. The described outcomes were bricking the instrument or installing a firmware implant that could persist. These are potential impacts, not proof that an attack occurred.
What is known—and not known—about the impact
The January report describes a possible attack path requiring access to the system. It does not establish that the flaw was exploited in the wild, that sequencing results were altered, or that the researchers demonstrated changed DNA results. The report also does not provide a CVE identifier or a CVSS score for this firmware finding.
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Keep that finding separate from broader claims about genomic sequencing security. On July 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice said Illumina agreed to pay $9.8 million to resolve allegations concerning cybersecurity vulnerabilities in certain genomic sequencing systems sold to federal agencies between February 2016 and September 2023. The DOJ announcement describes allegations and a settlement; it does not establish that this particular iSeq 100 firmware issue was exploited or caused the conduct at issue. U.S. Department of Justice announcement
Has Illumina fixed the iSeq 100 firmware vulnerability?
The Hacker News report says Illumina released a fix after responsible disclosure, but it does not name the firmware or software version that contains it. Do not assume a particular update resolves the issue based on the report alone. Check with Illumina for the current device-specific remediation, the version that addresses the finding, and the approved installation procedure.
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Illumina’s iSeq 100 documentation index includes “Security and Networking” guidance for securing the system’s control computer. Illumina says to review that guidance when configuring a more secure operating environment and notes that its site is updated frequently. For update eligibility and installation instructions, consult the current documentation or contact Illumina technical support.
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CVE-2022-1517 is a separate vulnerability in Local Run Manager (LRM), software that can run on the iSeq 100 and other instruments. The National Vulnerability Database lists LRM versions 1.3 through 3.1 as affected. Illumina’s PQN2024-1496 customer verification form refers to an available remediation for the iSeq 100 and MiniSeq LRM cybersecurity vulnerability. Neither record identifies the BIOS/firmware finding reported in January 2025.
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| Security matter | Affected component | Identifier and remediation evidence |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 iSeq 100 report | BIOS and firmware protections | The report reviewed does not provide a CVE or fixed version; it says Illumina released a fix. |
| CVE-2022-1517 | Local Run Manager, versions 1.3 through 3.1 listed as affected by NVD | LRM vulnerability record; Illumina’s PQN2024-1496 form refers to an available remediation for the iSeq 100 and MiniSeq LRM issue. |
Sources: NVD record for CVE-2022-1517 and Illumina PQN2024-1496 customer verification form.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How researchers can report a product-security issue
Illumina’s product-security portal covers on-market products and associated SaaS applications. The company asks researchers to test safely: avoid altering production systems, do not use altered devices in production, do not weaponize research, and engage with Illumina before public disclosure.
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Illumina says it will acknowledge a potential vulnerability submission within five business days. That is an acknowledgement target, not a promise that the issue will be fixed within that time. The portal describes a process that may include internal replication, risk evaluation, remediation planning, and external communications. Illumina’s product security bulletins page provides security news and links to vulnerability disclosures, patches, and related updates; its listed May 5, 2025 announcement introduced the portal.
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