Once hackers obtain these root keys, they can use them to decrypt files and reverse-engineer the system while looking for vulnerabilities. If successfully “jailbroken,” a PS5 could run illegally-obtained games, new operating systems, or firmware — which would cause a huge headache for Sony. In their tweet regarding the PS5, failOverflow wrote “Another one bites the dust” with an uploaded image of what appeared to be the root keys. The next tweet read: “Translation – we got all (symmetric) PS5 root keys. They can all be obtained from software – including per-console root key, if you look hard enough.”
Not the First PlayStation Hack from failOverflow
Though the hacking group is self-described as anti-piracy, it seems failOverflow is a regular thorn in the side of Sony and its PlayStation systems. Back in 2010, at the Chaos Communications Conference in Berlin, the group announced they had breached the security system of the PS3 console. Similar to what they’ve announced regarding the PS5, hackers said they were able to break Sony’s PS3 encryption system through “simple algebra” and gain access to their root key. The root keys are essentially a long string of numbers that allows the hacker to run any software they desire on the console. This could be illegally-obtained games, movies, or any other content that isn’t licensed by Sony. While the discovery of the keys doesn’t guarantee a jailbreak or complete system override, it’s certainly the first step in that direction. Particularly interested in gaming consoles, failOverflow successfully hacked the Wii U in 2012. They were also able to install the Linux OS kernel onto the PS4 in 2016. Sony patched the vulnerability on the PS4 shortly thereafter.
PS5 Cracked, Debugged by Hacker The FloW Over Weekend
In addition to failOverflow’s breakthrough, over the weekend, famed white-hatted hacker Andy Nguyen (The FloW) made more moves in breaking into Sony’s system. Nguyen said he had successfully enabled “Debug Mode” on a retail PS5 console. This development means that Sony’s firmware was cracked and could be potentially jailbroken to allow unlicensed files and programs to run. Nguyen has said he has no plans to release how he was able to enable “Debug Mode” and crack the PS5 firmware. As an ethical hacker, The FloW often helps Sony discover and patch such vulnerabilities. After his revelation, he quickly tweeted: “No plans for disclosure. No ETA.” Sony hasn’t yet commented on the developments of these recent security breaches. The company often uses ethical hacks to recognize and patch vulnerabilities in its systems.
