Apple posts iTunes 8.1 update, fixes bug

Apple has released an updated version of its iTunes media player application, adding an extra layer of security.

Both the Mac and Windows versions of iTunes have been updated not only to add new features, but also to plug a security vulnerability in the way the application handled podcast feeds.

According to Apple, both versions of the software were vulnerable to a bug which allowed an attacker to steal iTunes account information from users by way of maliciously-crafted podcast feed.

Windows Vista and XP users will receive an additional fix in the update. The company said that the 8.1 update will also patch a vulnerability in the digital audio access protocol component which could allow an attacker to trigger a denial-of-service error on a targeted machine.

In addition to the security fixes, the iTunes 8.1 update will also add new features to the software, such as the ability to import songs under the DRM-free "iTunes Plus" encoding format and an updated autofill system.

The update also speeds up performance for several common tasks, including managing music libraries and syncing iPod and iPhone units.

Users can obtain the update through the Software Update component or through the Apple's web site.