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Researchers Push Over 2 Million Updates to Remotely Disable Popcorn Time Updater That Could Fuel a Botnet

The Hacker News
Botnet

Overview

In a significant cybersecurity move, the Dutch security firm Eye Security has remotely pushed over 2 million updates to computers to disable a background updater associated with Time4Popcorn, a discontinued version of the Popcorn Time app known for streaming pirated content. This updater posed a potential risk as it could allow unauthorized users to take control of affected machines. The updates were carried out between November 2025 and March 2026, targeting devices that did not belong to the firm. The action underscores the ongoing risks linked to abandoned software and highlights the need for users to be cautious about outdated applications. This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that can arise from using unsupported software, especially those associated with illegal activities.

Key Takeaways

  • Affected Systems: Time4Popcorn, Popcorn Time
  • Action Required: Updates pushed by Eye Security to disable the background updater.
  • Timeline: Ongoing since November 2025

Original Article Summary

Between November 2025 and March 2026, the Dutch security firm Eye Security pushed more than 2 million updates to computers it did not own to switch off a background updater that it said could have allowed an outsider to take over the machine. The updater belongs to Time4Popcorn, an abandoned copy of Popcorn Time, a free app that streamed pirated films and TV over BitTorrent. Popcorn Time was

Impact

Time4Popcorn, Popcorn Time

Exploitation Status

No active exploitation has been reported at this time. However, organizations should still apply patches promptly as proof-of-concept code may exist.

Timeline

Ongoing since November 2025

Remediation

Updates pushed by Eye Security to disable the background updater

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

Related Topics: This incident relates to Botnet.

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