Hackers are not giving up on the PlayStation 5's latest firmware, as a new video shared by developer Gezine on X appears to show a kernel exploit. The clip shows Gezine navigating the PS5's hidden Debug Settings menus, which are typically accessible only with kernel-level access to the console's operating system. The apparent exploit targets firmware 14.10.00, which Sony released in October.
The timing makes the exploit notable. According to datamining by the X account Play Station Game Size, Grand Theft Auto VI requires the latest firmware to run, which would theoretically block it from being played on jailbroken consoles running older software. Earlier PS5 firmware could be jailbroken using the "Relapse" exploit to play illegally obtained games, but the 14.10 update closed that loophole, until now.
A kernel exploit does not mean the game can be pirated, however. Gezine has not publicly shared their method, and said they were "gonna ask for disclosure later," suggesting they may report the flaw through a bug bounty program first. Sony has not acknowledged the hack, though it runs a bounty program that pays researchers for similar discoveries.
A kernel exploit is only one piece of what would be needed to unlock digital games. A hypervisor exploit, which would breach the software security layer beneath the kernel, would also be required, and that has not yet surfaced. Until then, Grand Theft Auto VI will only be available through a standard physical or digital purchase. Unlike past games, even a physical copy includes only a download code and a game box. The game's console exclusivity is one reason players might be tempted by a cracked version, but the more obvious motive is avoiding the $80 price.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing