PS5 Jailbreak Exploit Enables Retro Games on Older Firmware

A newly released security exploit has expanded modification options for Sony's PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, allowing users with compatible firmware to bypass system restrictions and run unauthorized software. The tool, called Relapse, targets consoles running firmware versions up to v13.60, while systems updated to v14.00 are outside its stated compatibility range.

The exploit became available online through GitHub on Tuesday, Sept. 30, giving console modders a new method to access system-level functions. According to reporting by Ars Technica, the technique uses a vulnerability in the PS5's built-in web browser to gain deeper access to the console's operating system.

Relapse reportedly makes the process more efficient than earlier jailbreak methods, which could leave a console unresponsive for as long as 50 minutes during an attempt. The development could also allow users to run emulators, including software intended to play PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 games, as well as games from other platforms.

Kyle Orland, writing for Ars Technica, described the technical process behind the exploit.

"The so-called Relapse exploit makes use of a long-known WebKit vulnerability in the PS5’s hard-to-access web browser, escalating from there to gain write access to the PS5 kernel and install an ELF loader to streamline the running of arbitrary code. The new method is also a lot more efficient than previous PS5 jailbreak exploits, which could hang the system for 50 minutes per attempt."

The technique relies on a browser vulnerability to reach the console's kernel, the core component that manages system operations. The resulting access enables the execution of code beyond the restrictions imposed by Sony's standard software environment.

Another application, called Overdrive, has also emerged for jailbroken PS5 consoles. According to Insider Gaming, the program offered a way to download games and downloadable content, with listings displaying file sizes and review ratings rather than prices.

Sam Sepiol, writing for Insider Gaming, described how the application presented its available titles.

"The listings for these titles do not display prices; instead, players can quickly see the size of the game and its review rating."

Overdrive subsequently became inaccessible, and its GitHub page began returning a 404 error. The reason for the removal was not established in the source reporting, although Sony Interactive Entertainment was identified as a likely party behind the shutdown.

Adam Corsetti, writing for NotebookCheck, reported the change in the application's availability.

"The program’s GitHub page also now returns a 404 error. It’s not known what or who prompted the shutdown, but Sony Interactive Entertainment is the likely party."

Other versions of Overdrive have allegedly appeared since the original application's disappearance, according to the source report. Their availability underscores the continuing challenge console manufacturers face when attempting to restrict unauthorized software distribution.

Console jailbreaking has a long history, with users modifying hardware to expand its capabilities. The source article notes that circumvention of digital protections may violate provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, including Title 17, Section 1201, although the legality of particular modifications can depend on the circumstances.

Artificial intelligence tools have also reportedly accelerated some game-related experiments. One example cited in the source involved an attempt to run Grand Theft Auto V, originally released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, through WebAssembly in a browser. Rockstar Games quickly removed that implementation.