Modders have figured out how to jailbreak the PS5

We are almost two years into the new console generation, and it appears that jailbreakers are beginning to find weaknesses in the PlayStation 5's firmware. The PS5 has already had a number of revisions and software updates, so most users will likely not be able to use the current jailbreak method, but those still running an older firmware version will be able to break through the console's security. 

SpecterDev, who also found jailbreak methods for the PS4 last generation, has returned with a new jailbreak for the PS5. The method uses an ‘experimental' IPV6 kernel exploit, which in turn takes advantage of a WebKit vulnerability.

It's… beautiful.

The PlayStation 5 has been jailbroken. pic.twitter.com/54fvBGoQGw

— Lance McDonald (@manfightdragon) October 3, 2022

The method only seems to work on PS5 consoles running 4.03 firmware or older. With that in mind, you'll need to have not updated your console since October 2021, so a very small number of users are going to be able to exploit this. Beyond that, there is still more work to be done before users can install homebrew software or circumvent per-game DRM protections.

What you can do with this access is access the console debug menu. As pointed out by Engadget, Lance McDonald, a modder with a passion for From Software titles on PlayStation, confirmed he was able to install the delisted P.T demo on PS5 but could not get it to boot after jailbreaking. With that in mind, it doesn't sound like Sony needs to worry about piracy just yet, but it will need to keep on top of its security over the next few updates to avoid opening the door further for avid console modders.

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KitGuru Says: Typically, these sort of exploits are countered with repeated firmware updates, as well as the introduction of new SKUs in the market. The PS5 has already had a couple of revisions, making it lighter and more recently, less power hungry too. In the next couple of years, Sony is expected to launch a new PS5 model with a detachable disc drive. 

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