Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzers
Overview
A serious vulnerability has been identified in several Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzers, which could allow attackers to tamper with DNA data by modifying output files. This flaw affects multiple versions of their software, including the 3500 Series, 3730 Series, SeqStudio, and GeneMapper ID-X, among others. The risk is significant because altered DNA test results could lead to incorrect diagnoses and treatments in healthcare settings. To mitigate the issue, Thermo Fisher has released security updates that implement digital signatures to ensure data integrity. Users are advised to update their software to the latest versions as soon as possible and to follow interim measures to secure their data until the updates can be applied.
Key Takeaways
- Affected Systems: Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Series Data Collection Software <=4.0.2, Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xL Series Data Collection Software <=5.0.2, SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer Data Collection Software <=1.2.5, SeqStudio Flex Series Instrument Software <=1.2.0, GeneMapper ID-X Software <=v1.7.3, 3130 Series Data Collection Software <=4.1, ABI PRISM 3100/3100-Avant Data Collection Software <=2.0, ABI PRISM 310 Data Collection Software <=3.1.
- Action Required: Thermo Fisher has provided security updates: Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Series Data Collection Software update to version 4.
- Timeline: Disclosed on 2026-08-04
Original Article Summary
View CSAF Summary Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to modify .fsa/.hid output files, tampering with DNA data and resulting in inaccurate test results. The following versions of Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzers are affected: Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Series Data Collection Software <=4.0.2 Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xL Series Data Collection Software <=5.0.2 Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer Data Collection Software <=1.2.5 Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Flex Series Instrument Software <=1.2.0 Applied Biosystems GeneMapper ID-X Software <=v1.7.3 Applied Biosystems 3130 Series Data Collection Software <=4.1 ABI PRISM 3100/3100-Avant Data Collection Software <=2.0 ABI PRISM 310 Data Collection Software <=3.1 CVSS Vendor Equipment Vulnerabilities v3 8.4 Thermo Fisher Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzers Missing Support for Integrity Check Background Critical Infrastructure Sectors: Healthcare and Public Health Countries/Areas Deployed: Worldwide Company Headquarters Location: United States Vulnerabilities Expand All + CVE-2026-17583 The affected product is vulnerable because its .fsa/.hid output files can be edited. An attacker could tamper with these files, altering DNA data and resulting in inaccurate DNA test outcomes. View CVE Details Affected Products Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzers Vendor: Thermo Fisher Product Version: Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Series Data Collection Software: <=4.0.2, Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xL Series Data Collection Software: <=5.0.2, Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer Data Collection Software: <=1.2.5, Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Flex Series Instrument Software: <=1.2.0, Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems GeneMapper ID-X Software: <=v1.7.3, Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems 3130 Series Data Collection Software: <=4.1, Thermo Fisher ABI PRISM 3100/3100-Avant Data Collection Software: <=2.0, Thermo Fisher ABI PRISM 310 Data Collection Software: <=3.1 Product Status: known_affected Remediations Mitigation Thermo Fisher has developed security updates to address the vulnerability. The security updates implement the use of digital signatures on the instrument software that adds an extralayer of protection. Moving forward, this will help users verify that data files have not been modified. Vendor fix Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Series Data Collection Software: Update to version 4.0.3 https://downloads.thermofisher.com/3500_DCS_v4.0.3_Patch/v4.0.3_Patch_Installer.exe Vendor fix Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xL Series Data Collection Software: Update to version 5.0.3 https://downloads.thermofisher.com/3730xl_UDC_v5.0.3_Patch/3730xl_UDC_v5.0.3_Patch.exe Vendor fix Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer Data Collection Software: Update to version 1.2.6 https://downloads.thermofisher.com/SeqStudio/1.2.6/SeqStudio-1.2.6.abpkg Vendor fix Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Flex Series Instrument Software: Update to version 1.2.1 https://downloads.thermofisher.com/SeqStudioFlex/1.2.1/SeqStudioFlex-1.2.1.abpkg Vendor fix Applied Biosystems GeneMapper ID-X Software: Update to version 1.7.4 https://downloads.thermofisher.com/GeneMapperID-Xv1.7.4_Patch/GMIDX_v1.7.4_Patch.exe Vendor fix Applied Biosystems 3130 Series Data Collection Software: Product is End of Life (EoL), no update provided Vendor fix ABI PRISM 3100/3100-Avant Data Collection Software: Product is End of Life (EoL), no update provided Vendor fix ABI PRISM 310 Data Collection Software: Product is End of Life (EoL), no update provided Mitigation For users who are unable to immediately implement all applicable security updates, Thermo Fisher Scientific recommends implementing the following interim mitigation measures until the applicable updates have been installed: -Maintain a secure chain of custody for files generated by the HID instrumentation throughout the analysis workflow. -Store generated files on encrypted, password-protected storage media (for example, encrypted USB drives or encrypted hard drives). -Restrict access to generated files to authorized personnel in accordance with your laboratory's access control policies. -Apply the principle of least privilege by limiting user permissions on systems operating the HID instrumentation or hosting associated data analysis and secondary analysis software. -Leverage firewall rules and network access control lists (NACLs) to restrict internet connectivity to only trusted sources. Mitigation For more information, refer to Thermo Fisher's security bulletin. https://documents.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/CORP/Product-Guides/fsa_hid_bulletin.pdf Relevant CWE: CWE-353 Missing Support for Integrity Check Metrics CVSS Version Base Score Base Severity Vector String 3.1 8.4 HIGH CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H 4.0 8.2 HIGH CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:H/SA:N Acknowledgments Nathaniel Adams, Laura Gaydosh-Combs, and Kevin Dyer reported this vulnerability to CISA Legal Notice and Terms of Use This product is provided subject to this Notification (https://www.cisa.gov/notification) and this Privacy & Use policy (https://www.cisa.gov/privacy-policy). Recommended Practices CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability. Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet. When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices. CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures. CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies. CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets. Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies. Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents. No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time. This vulnerability is not exploitable remotely. Revision History Initial Release Date: 2026-08-04 Date Revision Summary 2026-08-04 1 Initial Publication Legal Notice and Terms of Use
Impact
Thermo Fisher Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Series Data Collection Software <=4.0.2, Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xL Series Data Collection Software <=5.0.2, SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer Data Collection Software <=1.2.5, SeqStudio Flex Series Instrument Software <=1.2.0, GeneMapper ID-X Software <=v1.7.3, 3130 Series Data Collection Software <=4.1, ABI PRISM 3100/3100-Avant Data Collection Software <=2.0, ABI PRISM 310 Data Collection Software <=3.1.
Exploitation Status
No active exploitation has been reported at this time. However, organizations should still apply patches promptly as proof-of-concept code may exist.
Timeline
Disclosed on 2026-08-04
Remediation
Thermo Fisher has provided security updates: Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Series Data Collection Software update to version 4.0.3, 3730/3730xL Series update to version 5.0.3, SeqStudio update to version 1.2.6, SeqStudio Flex update to version 1.2.1, GeneMapper ID-X update to version 1.7.4. For users unable to update immediately, interim measures include maintaining secure file custody, using encrypted storage, restricting access to authorized personnel, limiting user permissions, and applying firewall rules to restrict internet connectivity.
Additional Information
This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.
Related Topics: This incident relates to CVE, Vulnerability, Update, and 1 more.