Following news that thousands of files have been stolen from HBO, the fourth episode of Game of Thrones season 7 has leaked online in middling quality, reported The Independent.

US cable channel HBO said on Monday that hackers had stolen upcoming programming, and Entertainment Weekly reported that the theft included a script for an unaired episode of the hit fantasy show "Game of Thrones."

Entertainment Weekly reported that hackers stole 1.5 terabytes of data and had already posted online unbroadcast episodes of "Ballers" and "Room 104," along with "a script or treatment" for 4th episode of "Game of Thrones."

There is speculation that the leak originates from HBO distribution partner Star India, and is not related to the HBO hack.

The channel acknowledged the cyber attack, all but confirming the leaked script for Game of Thrones ' fourth episode - titled 'The Spoils of War' - was real.

The hack comes at a sensitive time for HBO, as its parent Time Warner Inc is waiting for regulatory approval to sell itself to AT&T Inc in an $85.4 billion deal announced in October.