Electronics giant Sony has confirmed a recently discovered security flaw in some of its products that could leave PCs vulnerable to attack by hackers.

The firm said that the fault, which affected software packaged with memory sticks, was developed by a third-party.

Sony said it was conducting an internal investigation into the problem and would offer a fix "by mid-September".

The vulnerability, found by security firm F-secure, was similar to one found on CDs sold by Sony BMG in 2005.

That led to the discs being recalled and several lawsuits against the record label.