yeap i am. just patched to joomla-smf 1.02 in fact. the problem happened when i was still using joomla-smf 1.01b.

my joomla version is 1.03.

ok
The bridge is flawless other then this

I noticed this crap the very first time I installed it 'cause I do my development offline.
This behaviour  (automatic backdoor connections) is inexcusable and can only serve to cast doubt on Joomla code in general.

For me, I edited my hosts file and put a loopback address for MamboHacks etc to block it.

I already scan all my component downloads and read through the code to see what it does.

I URGE EVERYONE to get one of those offline joomla installations .ie. "JOOMLA Starter kit" (go to joomla.org, developers and search for it)
AND setup a STAND ALONE PC (it does not need more than a Pentium 133 to run, really, and 150mb free disk space.

This PC should NOT be connected to the net, and you copy stuff to/from with a floppy or usb stick.

It seems helpful at first, a component that lets you know if more updated versions are out there, but it also announces your IP address and the current status of your Joomla configuration and God knows what else

A simple user clickable link "Check for Updates" would be much better behaved I feel.

Your outrage is misplaced sir.

I apologise for the fact that I did not mention I also removed the offending behaviour from the SMF code as well (while however, keeping their copyright notices intact)

I believe that this is a wakeup call to site operators to really KNOW what is going on in code they install. 

SONY did worse, installing root kits (backdoor software) on people's machines who bought their CDs. I'm just sensitive to software that acts on it's own to the benefit of others