Skype Trick Reveals Your IP Address to Attackers

Step-by-step instructions  detailing how to detect a Skype user's last known IP address appeared on Pastebin last Thursday. Posted by an unnamed guest, the IP-sniffing trick requires the attacker to download a modified version of Skype's VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) software version 5.5, turn on the creation of a debug-log file and add the target as a Skype contact.

The target an add request

Without in fact sending the target an add request, the target's IP address becomes visible in the log information attached to his name. The Skype stalker  at that time only has to run the IP address through a domain registration information service just as Whois.net to reveal the person's city, country and Internet service provider.

In a statement to Network World, Skype, which is owned by Microsoft, said, "This is an ongoing, industry-wide issue faced by all peer-to-peer software companies. We are committed to the safety and security of our clients and we are taking measures to help protect them."

Last April, Skype's Android App  was found to contain a serious security glitch that could be exploited to expose the user's chat logs, name, address, phone number, email address and date of birth.