Relapse: the public jailbreak for PS5 works on firmware 7.00-13.60

Relapse jailbreak released for PS5: works on firmware 7.00-13.60

A jailbreak called Relapse for PlayStation 5 has been published on GitHub. It is an exploit chain that allows running custom code on consoles with firmware versions between 7.00 and 13.60. The procedure, available under the MIT license, requires a temporary DNS modification and a few seconds of waiting, but it is not persistent: users must reapply the exploit after each reboot.

Quick Answer

Technical procedure and features

The exploit, developed by Nathan Fargo and shared by ApolloHB, requires setting the PS5's primary DNS to 45.56.67.85, opening the user guide, and entering the exploit page address in the address bar. The code, hosted on GitHub, combines two attacks and allows loading payloads through an ELF loader, enabling the execution of homebrew apps and game backups.

Risks and limitations

The jailbreak has several technical limitations: it is tethered, requiring a reboot after each restart, and may require multiple attempts to work correctly. The repository warns that using the exploit may cause system malfunctions, data loss, or account bans. The procedure is described as "rough" and non-persistent, requiring manual execution after each console restart.

Legal implications and ownership issues

The release of the Relapse jailbreak comes at a delicate time for Sony, which on August 21 declared in a federal court that reasonable consumers would not be misled into thinking they own the digital games they purchase. The statement emerged in a class action lawsuit filed in June in the Northern District of California, where four PlayStation customers claim that the "Buy Now" button implies ownership of the games. Sony responded that it is "not plausible to assert that reasonable consumers believed they obtained 'ownership'".

Perspectives on security and digital ownership

Primavera De Filippi, research director at CERSA, stated that when purchasing a digital asset from a platform, "the platform ultimately maintains control of the asset". The Relapse jailbreak, however, returns some of this control to users, at least as long as their consoles remain on firmware versions prior to 14.00, released on September 16.

Comparisons with previous cases

The issue of jailbreaking has long been debated, especially from the perspective of consumer rights and the right to repair. The most famous case of jailbreak litigation was between Apple and Justin Freeman, who won the lawsuit despite Apple making its operating system progressively more resistant to jailbreaks with each update. The Relapse jailbreak represents a similar turning point for the PlayStation 5, offering users greater control over their consoles.

Implications for console security

The existence of jailbreaks like Relapse raises important questions about console security. Users who choose to apply the exploit must be aware of the associated risks, including the possibility of security breaches and exposure to malware. Additionally, using homebrew apps and game backups may violate Sony's terms of service, leading to potential penalties.

Considerations on compliance and risk management

For business users managing multiple consoles, using jailbreaks like Relapse can represent a significant security risk. It is essential to implement a rigorous access management policy and consider adopting Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions to monitor suspicious activity. Furthermore, user training on the importance of security and the risks associated with using jailbreaks is fundamental to mitigating potential damage.

Future perspectives and developments

As Sony continues to release firmware updates to improve PS5 security, it is likely that the jailbreak developer community will continue to seek new vulnerabilities. This cycle of updates and exploits could lead to further evolution of jailbreak capabilities, offering users new possibilities for customization and control over their consoles.

To delve deeper into the legal and technical implications of jailbreaking, it is useful to consult our guide on digital law and consumers. Additionally, to better understand the security measures needed to protect consoles, you can refer to our analysis on console security.