PS4 jailbreak rumors pop up frequently, and this most recent video development is just one of many related stories from the dark corners of hacker web. However, the findings gain legitimacy as Sony quietly releases an official firmware update of its own.
GeekPwn 2016 is underway in Shanghai, and, to celebrate the occasion, a group called Chaitin has released a video of a supposed 4.01 PS4 jailbreak in action. Not much is known about the hack itself, but it appears to leverage a web browser vulnerability similar to one discovered in Sony’s 1.76 update, which allows coders to boot a version of Linux. In the clip, that Linux build is then used to launch an NES emulator capable of playing Super Mario Bros.
Of course, as with many internet videos that promise major developments, many modding enthusiasts initially cried foul. However, a picture has since been posted that partially supports the findings. Below is a tweet of the featured hackers with famed PlayStation and iOS jailbreaker, George Hotz. Hotz was the first person to ever unlock an iPhone, and he also dismantled the PS3’s tight security measures. In this photo, he seems to offer a vote of confidence to what Chaitin has showcased.
Sony PS4 #jailbreak, brought to you by Chaitin Tech https://t.co/QDhkFmStGI #GeekPwn pic.twitter.com/dFhUWXLhsU
— CodeColorist (@CodeColorist) October 24, 2016
It’s worth noting, however, that there’s no evidence Hotz is involved with this jailbreak. He allegedly attended GeekPwn to show off an app related to self-driving cars.
With this exploit now known, it’s uncertain what this means for the mainstream PS4 owner. The 4.01 jailbreak seemingly exists in a private format, but its website only points interested parties to the embedded demo video. If widely released, the hack could offer emulation support and open the doors for game piracy on Sony’s flagship console. So far, however, none of that has come to pass.
The matter becomes exceptionally difficult considering Sony published its official 4.05 firmware update to millions of PS4 owners. The patch, focused on “system stability,” went live just a few hours ago. Is this Sony’s reaction to the jailbreak in case its final code is released to the public? Have these minor bug fixes simply arrived at a coincidental time? It’s hard to say for sure. However, those that wish to make use of this potential jailbreak should probably avoid 4.05 for now.
What do you think of this PS4 jailbreak video? Do you believe it’s true in coordination with the picture? Did Sony release 4.05 to stop hackers? Tell us in the comments section!
