I don't suspect this bug would be easy to fix, but it is an unfair advantage to the sniper willing to exploit it.
I for one now make it a point to stand up for each shot I take, to give fair advantage to shoot back. The best workaround/countermeasure for the bug is to fire the JAW at the side of the lighthouse behind the exploiting sniper.
I tested the bug by playing as a sniper earlier tonight, and I was very easily able to get a score of 17-2 in TIA, because counter-snipers were completely ineffective.
To all the gamers reading this, please don't exploit the bug too much. I know it's hard not to use it, but I think it violates fair play.