Hackers use BitTorrent to capture PC users

By: Igor Nikitin | 22.02.2018, 10:03

If the words "distribution" and "crack" are not an empty phrase for you, but in BitTorrent you visit more often than on Steam, then you are in danger.

What's the hype

Google researcher Tavis Ormandi noted that some sites are exploiting vulnerabilities in the Windows BitTorrent client. The exploit allows the hacker to gain access to remote control of the PC. For example, throw unwanted software in the root folder of Windows, "fumble" in downloads and view the history of downloads. Vulnerability concerns all versions of BitTorrent and even uTorrent Web.

All norms, almost

When Ormandy found out about the vulnerability, he quickly contacted BitTorrent. The engineer of the company Dave Rees told Engadget that the vulnerability is already working and the beta update is ready. A stable version of the patch will be released this week.

"On December 4, 2017, we were warned about several vulnerabilities in BitTorrent and uTorrent clients for Windows. We proceeded to resolve the problem immediately. Our patch is ready and is available on most beta releases (build 3.5.3.44352 released on February 16, 2018). This week we will deliver it to everyone else. Users will receive automatic updates in the coming days, "the message says.

At the same time, Ormandy said that BitTorrent did not fix the vulnerability in the application's web client. The company engineer promised that the uTorrent Web vulnerability is viewed by the right people and is working on it.