The PS5 was successfully hacked 2 years after its release. But what does that even bring and who benefits from it?
The PS5 has been successfully hacked. At least that’s what a user reports on Twitter. Meanwhile, the hack is also online, and you can try it yourself. The hackers use a vulnerability in WebKit to bypass the protections of the PS5.
PS5: What does such a hack even bring and how legal is it?
What is a jailbreak anyway? The hack is not an official way. For a so-called “jailbreak,” hackers exploit vulnerabilities in the operating system or hardware to install foreign code. Such attacks usually work until the manufacturer closes the vulnerability.
By jailbreaking, you gain full access to the root directory of the operating system and access to all features. Also to features that normal users should not have access to. You break (jail) out of the normal functionality.
Other features have now been added for free by Sony for the PS5:
What does such a jailbreak bring? With a jailbreak, you usually bypass the security measures of console manufacturers. Various advantages are promised with a jailbreak:
- You can install foreign software that is not officially approved or also illegal versions of games.
- Additionally, you can remove pre-installed apps that you do not need. This is especially popular on mobile phones.
- Furthermore, you can often personalize your device more, as more features are available.
Is that even legal? Jailbreaking is not illegal, but a gray area. It only becomes illegal when you install copied software or otherwise violate digital copyright.
You should also keep the disadvantages in mind:
- You should be aware that your warranty claim for your device lapses. If something goes wrong, you will not receive support from Sony or the seller.
- No more automatic updates since you usually cut off important connections to be able to use the vulnerabilities.
- Your console may also become unstable. The hackers say that the current jailbreak is still very immature.
- Another disadvantage: Sony could ban your hacked console along with your account. Then you cannot play online anymore.
A good example of such an installation of “foreign” software was shown by a user with the Nintendo Switch:
Complicated jailbreak, installation of software ‘still a long way to go’
Anyone hoping to be able to install pirated copies or foreign software on the PS5 may be disappointed. Because so far, the exploit allows users read and write access, but no execution rights. So you cannot install anything or install your own operating system.
Additionally, the way to “jailbreak” is still quite complicated. On the one hand, you need to install Python, and on the other hand, you need to run a web server on a PC to access your PS5. The hacker “SpecterDev” himself explains that it is still “a long way to go” until installing a game (via tarnkappe.info).
Further stories about hackers: Other hackers prefer to deal with large companies instead of the PS5 and want to get hold of data there. Allegedly, one of these hackers is only 16 years old and has taken on Nvidia and other companies, but the matter did not turn out so well for him:
16-Year-Old lives with mom, allegedly hacks the biggest tech giants in the world
