Major PS5 Exploit Potentially Patched After Hacker Hesitated to Release It

The latest firmware update for PlayStation 5, version 14.20, has arrived, and a well-known hacker claims it has patched a significant exploit that would have allowed users to run pirated games natively. Interestingly, this news has sparked excitement among PS5 homebrew fans, as it paves the way for the release of the exploit.

On the r/PS5_Jailbreak subreddit, users are celebrating the arrival of firmware update 14.20. Before diving into why the patching of an exploit is a positive development for the PS5 homebrew community, let’s break down the exploit itself. Hacker Ark Sama has been teasing this exploit for nearly a year, which would enable users to run “fake” PKG files directly on their PS5s.

This is significant because tricking a PS5 into executing unauthorized PKG files typically involves numerous workarounds that lead to subpar performance. In short, fake PKGs (including pirated games) will now perform better on PS5s. For those interested in a deeper dive, a video from Modded Hardware explains why Ark Sama’s exploit will be a game-changer once it’s released.

Now, why is the patching of this exploit something to celebrate? The answer is both straightforward and complex: with the release of firmware 14.20, Ark Sama can finally unveil the exploit.

Ark Sama has repeatedly stated that the exploit would only be made public after Sony addressed it. This is because Ark Sama reported the exploit through HackerOne, the platform used by Sony and other tech companies to compensate individuals for reporting vulnerabilities.

While it may seem like Ark Sama is merely waiting for a payday before releasing the exploit, the reality is that this aligns with HackerOne’s established “Vulnerability Disclosure Standards.” According to HackerOne’s “Mutual Agreement” disclosure settings, vulnerabilities can be publicly disclosed once they have been fixed.

Essentially, this means that anyone who hasn’t updated to firmware 14.20 will be able to exploit Ark Sama’s findings once they are released, and Ark Sama will receive compensation. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.