Apple has released a security patch for its iPhone which is designed to fix a vulnerability that could have allowed personal information to be stolen from the owner.

The software update – which was released late on Tuesday – covers a range of bugs and security issues, but is principally designed to correct a flaw that could have given a hacker control of the phone if the owner visited a doctored website.

Researchers at Independent Security Evaluators, a firm of security experts, had demonstrated that by tricking the phone into accessing a particular website, or by using a 'rogue' wi-fi connection, hackers could force the phone to forward on personal information such as text messages and contact numbers.

There have been no reported instances of the hack, which remains theoretical.

"One of the great things about iPhone is that we can easily deliver software updates and bug fixes through iTunes when necessary,” an Apple spokeswoman said.

The iPhone's browser has been the source of several of the alleged security weaknesses in the device. Another group of researchers suggested that the small URL line meant that users would be more susceptible to phishing attacks, and it has also been claimed that a feature which allows a user to automatically dial a number by clicking on a link on a website could force them to make unwitting calls to premium rate numbers.

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