Morpheus in now the most popular file-swapping service on the Internet. The security hole means that the personal details of millions of people are now at risk of exposure. According to the Web site of MusicCity--the company that created Morpheus--more than nine million copies of the client have been downloaded.
MusicCity Networks could not be contacted for comment.
A new security hole has been discovered in the peer-to-peer file-sharing application, which allows a random list to be generated of people using the service. A malicious hacker could then access the computers of those users and copy files from anywhere on their hard disk. Usually, Morpheus only allows access to files placed in a specific folder, like other peer-to-peer file-sharing clients.
The privacy risk was reported to BBC News Online The Morpheus peer-to-peer application allows users to search for digital media, such as music and videos, on the MusicCity network. The service also allows content providers to deploy third-party digital rights management technology to protect their copyright works. This protects the copyrights of artists involved, and has helped it to prevent a Napster-style shutdown.
