Torrent Download Security Issue

hi all


i using k torrent fr my downloads...i have a samll network in the house and one machine(susebux) downloads my movies an i dont turn it off..and is on my netowrk....i hve my firewall on and a hardware appliance as another firewall..and by the way its a mixed network its has Xp's also


can a hacker pose a threat to my susebux beacuase of my torrent dowloading...or another thing like viruses..or any threat?


just wana hear your opinions......

thanks guys

Depends on open ports and applications running.

Look at this way, they have your ip, yes I have noticed port scanning in logs when running torrents. Then should you be silly enough to download a linux app and install as root, well then YOU escalate privs.

Now I'm not aware of any exploits via torrent apps, but that's not to say there hasn't been or will be. if there is/was it would be highly likely to be only a local exploit. Keep updated regularly, and the window of opportunity will shrink.

It mainly comes down to other services and apps, and other potential holes, i.e ssh with stupid passwd and root login.

As for viruses its more than possible you could carry one to the winbox but it wouldn't be infected without YOUR help, though linux can't be infected it can still be a carrier.

thnks for the informative opinion sir.....other opinions are welcomed

In the most part, the people involved in such activity, whilst doing such (movie downloads) against the law in many lands, are nevertheless a people not that way inclined. That's not to say others will not try and exploit any potential weakness.

Have you tried a firewall test, there are several out there
eg; http://www.hackerwatch.org/probe/

I find that having DHT disabled provides much fewer problems. Though I can understand why many use it, it does tend to flood you with connections, and I experience virtually no port scans.

I generally achieve max speed on my UK adsl max (8mb).

I like ktorrent, but use azureus. It's more functional in my opinion.

Assuming you are not logged in as root and downloading, I am not aware of any serious vulnerabilities in BT. Though of course various updates often fix potential weaknesses in BT, I'm not aware that any have been successfully exploited. You might find a more comprehensive answer in BT forum.
The import of virus from BT is of course possible, though it is most unlikely to harm your linux box.