author: Michael Zegar
PS4 Firmware 9.0 Cracked; PS5's Security May be Compromised
An exploit has been released for version 9.0 of the PS4, enabling users to install their own software on the console - including pirated games. It should also work on PS5, but due to lack of hardware for testing, the crackers are unable to verify this.
- An exploit called "pOOBs4" enables users to install custom software on the PS4 console with firmware 9.0;
- It may also work on PS5.
It looks like PlayStation 4 consoles may soon be venturing into pirate waters. A trio of hackers - SpecterDev, ChendoChap, and Znullptr (in collaboration with two others, known as Sleirsgoevy and TheFloW) - have just released a new exploit of the PS4 and PS4 Pro's system kernel. It's called pOOBs4, and allows for, among other things, much easier installation of custom software, including bootleg copiers of video games on the PS4 to a wider range of players.
It requires access to the network and a USB key containing a special file. After its launch the console is ready to use external tools such as Mira Project or GoldHEN, which to some extent enable you to upload your own applications onto the console.
Of course, this is not the first time that hackers have cracked the security of the PS4. Although previous exploits have allowed for the installation of unauthorized software on Sony's console, they often forced their users to stick with severely outdated firmware - thus depriving them of the ability to use certain features.
The aforementioned pOOBs4 is, however, more stable and runs on firmware version 9.0, which was released on September 15, this year. On December 1 it was replaced by version 9.03 - with the vulnerability exploited by pOOBs4 patched.
Mentions of the exploit started appearing yesterday, shortly after SpecterDev posted a video on Twitter, where he showed third-party software running on PS4 version 9.0. A few hours later, Znullptr confirmed that the exploit is real and would probably also work on PS5. Version for this console, however, at the moment does not exist, because one of the hackers is... still unable to acquire a PlayStation 5.
PlayStation 5's availability is still poor, so this turn of events should not surprise anyone. The exploit will likely increase Sony's focus on meeting demand for the PS5 as fast as possible.