BEIJING, Mar. 22 (Xinhuanet)-- Apple confirmed on Monday that it has closed what is called "the security hole" in the 

Apple today confirmed that it has closed what it described as "a security hole" in the ITunes Music Store that allowed users to purchase songs without digital rights management technology (DRM) attached.

iTunes Music Store which was recently exploited.

    "The security hole in the iTunes Music Store which was recently exploited has been closed, and as a consequence the iTunes Music Store will now sell music only to customers using iTunes version 4.7," the company said in a statement.

    This move causes users of ITunes versions earlier than 4.7 will need to upgrade in order to continue purchasing songs.

    The "closing" also locks the door to users of PyMusique, a software application for Windows and Linux that served as an alternate interface to the ITunes Music Store.

    Developed by several programmers, including Cody Brocious and Jon Lech Johansen of DeCSS fame, PyMusique allowed users to preview songs, register for an ITunes Music Store account, buy songs, and re-download them after purchase--a feature that ITunes opposes. Enditem

    (Agencies)