US forensic DNA analysis files at risk of tampering, Thermo Fisher patches critical flaw
Researchers and forensic experts disclosed a security flaw in digital DNA analysis files used by most US crime labs, potentially allowing undetected tampering with decades of criminal records. The vulnerability dates to 1995 and became easier to exploit with AI code-generation tools. Thermo Fisher Scientific privately acknowledged the issue in July, issued a high-risk advisory last week, and released software with digital signatures. No known malicious exploitation or impact on court rulings has been reported.
- Effective
- -13
- Intensity
- 65
- Confidence
- 75%
- Horizon
- Short term