Apple fixes iTunes update

Apple has released an update of its iTunes software to fix a vulnerability that caused earlier versions to crash and execute arbitrary code.

CNet says the flaw could allow an attacker to inject more data into a particular memory location than the program could accommodate, thereby allowing the attacker to take over a computer.

The new software, iTunes 4.7.1, is available at Apple`s Web site for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows 2000.

Mobile-phone carrier T-Mobile has acknowledged that an online attacker gained access to its network. However, the company has denied the attack threatened its customers` privacy, reports CNet.

The mobile-phone provider says the breach was discovered in late 2003, but immediate steps were taken to lock out the intruder.

However, the CNet report says subsequently an investigation found the names and social security numbers of 400 T-Mobile customers were accessed and 21-year-old Nicolas Jacobsen was charged with crimes said to have been committed in 2004.

T-Mobile has not commented on the discrepancies, but says it is co-operating with US Secret Service investigations into the incident.

SAP and Microsoft have announced a new portal development kit as part of an undertaking last year to integrate their Web services-based technology platforms, reports Computerworld.

The Portal Development Kit for Microsoft .Net within SAP NetWeaver aims to help programmers use Microsoft`s Visual Studio .Net 2003 development tools to build portal applications on SAP`s NetWeaver middleware, application server and integration platform.

Sony is expanding its Qualia line of products with the addition of a video processing device for improving the image quality of standard and high-definition images.

PC World says Sony`s DRC-MFv2 digital video controller chip is at the heart of the Qualia 001 "Creation Box". The chip can project a high-definition image from a standard-definition image, improving the quality of any conventional video source. It is also capable of improving the appearance of high-definition images and supports up to 3X zoom, creating a number of new pixels from one original pixel for each step in zoom.