For PlayStation enthusiasts and budget-conscious gamers, hacking the PS4 offers tempting benefits like free games, hardware customization, and access to a vibrant modding community. While newer firmware has tightened security, there are still reliable methods for jailbreaking consoles on older OS versions.
In this PS4 hacking guide, we‘ll walk through the steps to unlock exploits on systems running firmware 10.50 and above as of early 2023.
Overview and Legal Considerations
First, I must provide a disclaimer that hacking your PlayStation 4 likely violates Sony‘s Terms of Service, and can carry certain legal risks depending on your jurisdiction. This guide is for educational purposes only. Proceed at your own discretion.
That said, the homebrew potential unlocked by jailbreaking remains popular especially as Sony transitions focus to the PS5. Enthusiasts cite desires for customized hardware, piracy, preservation of an aging system, and simply the thrill of unlocking hidden capabilities.
I neither condone nor condemn such motivations – rather as an avid gamer and computer engineer, I aim to comprehensively detail this complex topic.
Why Hack the PS4?
Gamers new to the PlayStation homebrew scene often wonder – why risk a complex hacking procedure on the aging console? Several compelling incentives drive this active community:
Game Piracy – Illicit game copies and downloads remain a major motivation for many. While impacting developers, some justify piracy given Sony‘s $70 pricing and the PS4‘s legacy status.
Customization & Controls – Hardware and software mods allow extensive customization options not officially supported: overclocking, accessory hooks, VR improvements, fan ports of titles, and augmented in-game graphics.
Preservation – As the PS5 replaces the PS4 as Sony‘s flagship console, hackers view jailbreaking as a way to preserve capabilities of aging hardware. Ambitious mods like the port of PS3 emulation software RPCS3 demonstrate this drive.
Thrill of the Hidden – For some, unlocking the full capabilities outside vendor constraints provides motivation enough. This urge has driven PC enthusiasts to overclock hardware for decades.
With these incentives clarified, let‘s get into the methodologies of jailbreaking a PS4.
Firmware Considerations and Exploit Timeline
Since the console‘s 2013 launch, Sony and hackers have engaged in a complex arms race – with system security strengthened by official firmware updates, and vulnerabilities probed relentlessly by the homebrew community.
Let‘s review this timeline of firmware versions and when various exploits successfully allowed unsigned code execution for each:
| Firmware Version | Exploit Found | Hacker/Group | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| v1.76 | Webkit ROP Chain | qwertyoruiopz | June 2015 |
| v4.05 | DNS Setting Modification | Znullptr | Sept 2016 |
| v4.55 | Kernel Exploit | SpecterDev | May 2018 |
| v5.05 | Userland Exploit | Mathieulh | Feb 2019 |
| v6.72 | Buffer Overflow | sleirsgoevy | Aug 2020 |
| v9.00 | Disclosed Bug Bounties | – | Mar 2022 |
Analyzing this history reveals patterns in vulnerability classes across kernel, webkit, network services and firmware update mechanisms as hackers have evolved their tactics across nine years. While newer consoles remain hardened – running the latest v9.00 can nearly eliminate hacking risk given increased hypervisor isolation and improved expoit detection – owners of aging PS4‘s can unlock incredible customization powers.
Step By Step Guide – Jailbreaking PS4 Firmware Version 10.50 and Above
Preparing to hack your PS4 requires careful setup to avoid unwanted device updates which can patch vulnerabilities. If your console runs v10.50 firmware or earlier, follow this process closely:
1. Check Your System Firmware
Navigate to Settings > System > System Information
Note your System Software version under System Information. This guide covers 10.50 and earlier. If on later firmware, stop here or consider downgrading using homebrew tools.
2. Disable Auto-Updates
To prevent patch installations, disable auto-updates under:
Settings > System > Automatic Updates > Uncheck "Keep System Software Updated"
Reboot PS4 and confirm update feature remains disabled in settings.
3. Unplug Ethernet/Remove WiFi
Fully power down console using power button, then disconnect any wired Ethernet connection.
Additionally, navigate to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and Delete any saved WiFi connections. This segments the system from internet access to prevent background update checks.
4. Obtain Exploit Host Platform
With the PS4 barred from connecting online, you‘ll need a separate "host" device to deliver the jailbreak payload. This guide utilizes the open source ESP Host software running on a Windows PC.
With ESP Host installed, connect a USB cable from your PC to the powered-off PS4 to enable payload delivery.
5. Configure Exploit Settings
Launch ESP Host on your Windows PC. Navigate to Settings and under Payload Settings select the following options:
- Firmware: Your detected firmware
- AES Key: Default (all 0‘s)
- Payload: Orbis Toolbox 2.02+ (or latest)
- Payload Destination: USB Disk
Save your settings. This pre-configures delivery of the Toolbox homebrew software utilizing known firmware exploits.
6. Deliver Payload and Launch HEN
With your PC and powered-off PS4 connected via USB and ESP Host configured, power on your PS4 using the console‘s power button.
In ESP Host on your PC, click Quick Deliver to deploy the Toolbox software payload.
Your PS4 will briefly flash blue lights – this indicates effective jailbreak deployment!
Finally, navigate the PS4‘s main menu to launch Orbis Toolbox from the homebrew category to enable full hack capabilities.
7. Install Optional Homebrew Software
With your console now unlocked, Orbis Toolbox provides a suite of powerful utilities for backup, modding and piracy. I recommend installing the HENbrew ENabler (HEN) to augment Toolbox functionality.
To grab the latest HENbrew pack, first connect your PS4 browser to the internet (as Toolbox has disabled firmware updates). Then visit HENbrew Pack downloads and install to enable additional hack utilities.
Congratulations, your PS4 now runs a full suite of homebrew tools for gaming enhancement and customization!
Risks and Precautions
While the capabilities unlocked by jailbreaking remain tempting, also weigh the downside risks:
-
Banned Accounts – Console bans have been reported for accessing PSN services on hacked devices. Protect online identities by utilizing dummy accounts where possible.
-
Bricking – Failed payloads can "brick" consoles by corrupting vital OS files. Recover using safe mode boot – yet hardware damage remains a small risk.
-
Malware Vulnerabilities – Escape from sandbox environments increases malware exposure. Vet downloaded homebrew software carefully.
Weigh these factors before jailbreaking your device. As security cat-and-mouse game continues between Sony and the hacking community, also follow best practices:
- Maintain ESP Host and HEN tools updated for maximum firmware coverage
- Frequently reset firewall and antivirus tools on your exploit PC
- Only download payloads from reputable sources like Orbital and avoid piracy where able
Let‘s recap the key takeaways…
Conclusion
With interest peaking as the PS4 ages into a legacy console, I offer this guide to demystify the jailbreak process – unlocking remarkable customization potential for knowledgeable gamers.
The essential steps covered include:
- Checking console firmware version
- Disabling auto-updates and disconnecting from Internet
- Utilizing external exploit host tools like ESP Host on Windows
- Blocking unwanted updates that can patch vulnerabilities
- Loading effective exploit payloads like Orbis Toolbox
- Optionally installing HENbrew pack for added functionality
While certainly not without risks, the passion driving the PlayStation homebrew scene reveals gaming consoles remain vibrant platforms even as vendors shift focus.
What future hacks emerge remains part of the intrigue! With a trusted setup procedure now at your fingertips, unlocking your PS4 offers a window into this captivating subculture. Game on!