downloads safe
 

hello,

i have MDK 10.1 up to date and i listen to internet ALOT! my level is set to HIGH. i would like to know if it is safe for me to keep my computer downloading a .pls stream 24/7. does it pose a secutity threat?

thanks,

slipaway172

I'm personally not aware of any exploits that result from .pls streams, I would think the shoutcast/icecast server would be the end that would have to worry about security, not the client. Haven't done alot of research on it though and as always make sure your box is firewalled well.

linux_terror

some wierd logic: since im reciving packets across the net and wouldnt a hacker be able to intercept a packet and sniff it out and see to where was it suppose to go to ( ip address) and start hacking my computer from the ip address? it that possible?

He may be able to sniff your ip address, but if ur properly firewalled (either by NAT or by packet inspection), any TCP connection requests he sends will be dropped into a black hole, and the client program he uses will not detect the presence of your computer. If he runs a port scan, your firewall should drop it unless you've opened ports for any remote servers ur running, in which case better to patch them up (I mean security updates of the rpms/debs/whatevers). If all ports are sealed, he may be able to detect data traffic, but that in itself is useless since he cannot receive acknowledgement for connection packets.

in shorewall i have nothing checked to allow to the internet. i have my settings to high, just i cant run a stream long before it just stopps playing.