Looks like a hotfix may be in order for Sony’s recently-issued PS3 firmware 3.56. Although merely a ‘security patch,’ users on various sites such as NeoGAF and HighDefForum are reporting that they can no longer swap the internal HDD for a upgraded one.
A wide range of PS3 models are affected, all of them with a 16MB NAND flash, which covers all newer slimline configurations. 256MB units are seemingly unaffected. more »
Sony has quietly released PS3 firmware 3.56, a minor update that adds a “security patch.” Vagueness aside, there’s little doubt this comes in response to the recent wave of PS3 hacking efforts which have resulted in several custom firmware variants.
Suffice to say, those who value homebrew access are advised not to update at this time. It likely won’t be long before modified 3.56 PUPs hit the scene, though, given that developers have already succeeded in extracting LV1 and LV2 keys from the firmware libraries.
As usual, the firmware can be downloaded from Network Update or manually via our download section below.
It looks like Davee has maintained his word of a new downgrader even though the PSP’s signing keys were released. The new downgrader will take your PSP running 6.31 or 6.35 firmware to the earlier 6.20 firmware, which is HEN-capable. The downgrade process is relatively simple: copy the PSP folder from the downgrader to your PSP and then put the 6.20 firmware update in the “PSP/GAME/UPDATE” folder with the file name “EBOOT.PBP”.
How was this accomplished? Davee says the new downgrader uses the utility/power exploit to run the official PSP updater with a custom PRX running. It then loads up the earlier 6.20 firmware and installs it just like any other firmware update.
Download: [Downgrader 6.31/6.35]
Download [PSP Firmware 6.20]
lolhax (Davee): [6.35 and 6.31 Downgrader]
Update: It’s out.
Ahead of the PSP2′s unveiling next week, Sony is giving the original PSP a dose of firmware lovin’. According to a recent PlayStation Blog post, PSP firmware 6.37 is due out ‘soon.’ It aims to “improve system software stability during use of some features.”
Nothing terribly exciting here, really, but we’ll let you know when the update goes live.
Sony’s legal suits are at it again, filing a lawsuit against famed hacker George “Geohot” Hotz and the fail0verflow team. Along with Hotz, it specifically names Hector Martin and Sven Peter, both of whom gave a revealing presentation on Sony’s broken PS3 security last month at 27C3. 100 other individuals have been targeted as well, although they remain unnamed.
The suit contests that said defendants are in violation of DMCA under U.S. law, pointing to the recent publication of the PS3′s encryption routines and subsequent release of Hotz’s firmware 3.55 jailbreak.
It seems Sony isn’t letting this slide, not without a fight. More as it breaks. For those unable to access Geohot’s site, we’ve mirrored the relevant court orders in PDF format below. more »
While the PS3′s security has been blown wide open as a result of recent hacking efforts, that isn’t stopping Sony from fighting the good fight. In a recent interview with Edge Magazine, a Sony spokesperson claims that a series of network updates are on the way to combat these developments.
Sony would not spare details on the upcoming firmware, declining to provide further information due to the sensitive nature of security issues.
It’ll be interesting to see how this pans out, but we reckon the odds won’t be in favor of Sony this time. With the root key out in the open, the only remedy is a hardware change.
In fact, well-known hackers are already downplaying Sony’s claims. In a BBC interview, fail0verflow member pytey noted that “The complete console is compromised – there is no way back. The only way to fix this is to issue new hardware. Sony will have to accept this.”
We interrupt your holiday celebrations to give you something else to celebrate about. Davee, famous for his work on ChickHEN, just tweeted that he has successfully downgraded his PSPgo from firmware 6.31 to 6.20. When asked the share more details about the new development Davee replied saying “Just wait a while ;)”.
Glad to see the PSP is still getting some love from Davee; just wish the same could be said about those poor bodies…
Another demo has led to the discovery of a PSP exploit, this time on firmware 6.35. We’ve received word that hacker Jeerum has uncovered a user-mode exploit that takes advantage of a vulnerability in a Japanese demo known as Minna no Sukkiri.
Perhaps more importantly for end-users, the exploit brings with it the arrival of a firmware 6.35 compatible Homebrew Loader (HBL for short), which comes courtesy of developer ‘some1.’ more »
It seems that early adopters of the PS3 downgrader are experiencing issues with Blu-ray playback on their consoles. According to Mathieulh, the reason this happens is because some files are replaced with those from a debug unit which do not support blu-ray movie playback. It is unclear at this time whether this broken functionality could be fixed in the future or not. Looks like you’ll have to determine which is more important to you right now, blu-ray movies or homebrew.
Blu-ray Playback Issues [@Mathieulh]
Surprise: amid the recent release of PS Downgrade along with rumors that a jailbreak solution for PS3 firmware 3.50 will soon surface, Sony doles out firmware 3.55. It’s a minor update that adds a mere “security patch.” These recent developments in the hacking scene are no doubt keeping Sony on the offensive. more »
