“Why isn't the PS3 broken already?” We hear this every day. Someone somewhere thinks they can write a better media player with HD support. A guy wants to release his game but needs the RSX for the amazing graphics it can generate. Why can't we just tear open the PS3 solder a few wires and be done with it? The answer is both simpler and more complicated than you might expect.

The PSP, the Wii, even the Xbox 360 have all been hacked and can run homebrew applications so everybody thinks “the PS3 should be just as easy.” The PS3 in some ways is as easy, in fact easier. No other console let you install Linux and run anything you want to. Sure Linux on the PS3 is great. You can write your own code and use it. You have the largest collection of applications anywhere (thats right, WAY more than Windows). It's all free (or at a very low cost).

But it's limited. You can't touch the RSX (The very powerful graphics chip in the PS3), you can't use the full hard drive, and nothing is really optimized for the PS3's fantastic Cell processor, this means that what should be fast and easy tends to be slow and cumbersome. In fact, DVD playing which can be done on any modern computer is a monumental task in PS3 Linux.

The major problem is that the PS3 isn't any other console. The PS3 is different in many huge and terrifying ways. First, lets compare the PS3. I know you may think “Why compare the PS3 to the PSP? Why not the 360 or the Wii? The answer is simple, the PSP is another Sony product and if we can break one Sony product why not another? The PSP is hacked, it's true. In fact, it was hacked almost as soon as it was released!

Why? Because the PSP didn't have any security protections in the first version: Thats right! It essentially ran anything that you put on it. You could install any program from day 1 (Mind you, no programs existed at the outset, but in time they became common.)

Now you may say “But they added security in the next version and that was hacked very quickly”. I agree with you here, the PSP now has a very powerful security system, but like the Greeks, we had people inside. Once a system is hacked and understood, very little can be used to continue to protect it. In other words, the moment the PSP was uncovered and investigated any future security measures would be trivial to remove and disarm. This proved true and to this day we have each version of the PSP firmware hacked and able to run homebrew within a few weeks.

Now, the Wii, homebrew for the Wii has been slower than expected, not because it's incredibly difficult to do, but because most developers don't see a reason. The Wii has been hacked, but it's almost exclusively used to play copied games.

Most homebrew, in fact, runs in the gamecube emulator built into the Wii. The only reason that developers were interested ing the Wii at all is the controller. Once the controller was found to be connectible to any computer (and even to the PS3) developers lost interest.

“But the Wii has still been hacked, lack of interest isn't an excuse for the PS3 being difficult”. That's true, it isn't, but there is a valid excuse. The Wii isn't a full upgrade of all the technologies in the GameCube, in fact, it's almost identical except for a few upgrades. The GameCube has been hacked for a long time and with the Wii being so similar it was a trivial matter to map out the exact differences.

“The 360” some may cry out “it's on par with the PS3 and has been hacked as well.” It's true, several hacks for the 360 exist, and some of them are actually monumentally difficult and fascinating. The first hack is rather simple actually. The 360 uses standard DVD disks for it's games. This means that duplicators exist widely for the 360s media, it also meant that people understand it very well. Sadly, the 360 was broken first by simply fooling the DVD drive to bypass all checks to ensure that a game wasn't copied.

Again it came from lack of security on the original version of the console. The DVD drive was easily put into “debug” mode and forced to reveal all it's secrets. Later versions of the console have rectified this with a newer drive. This hack is simply not possible for the PS3 because it's not using a DVD drive it's using a custom Blu-ray drive, we can't simply copy the disks, and we don't know enough about the firmware on the drive to accomplish a “debug mode” even if it's on there.

This wasn't the only hack to hit the 360. Momentarily vulnerable kernels have happened twice, where a bug in the firmware enabled homebrew to be run, each time, though, Microsoft closed the hole in the next version (which was usually released before the hack was really publicized). This is possible for the PS3, but we haven't yet found one of those bugs.

Remember: Only 2 of all the updates the 360 has had have been broken, all the others are still secure.

Only recently has the “timing” or “ultimate” attack on the 360 come to fruition. By counting the time it takes for the 360 to crash when confronted with code which is not valid the “hash” of a particular set of data can be found. This enables you to move back to one of the older firmwares and hack your 360. However, you are still unable to access the xbox live service until you return to a higher version.

Mind you, this hack is INCREDIBLY difficult to do and requires a specially designed mod-chip and several hours for your 360 to reset repeatedly until you can downgrade putting this hack well above the average user. (To the 360 hackers, I am sorry for simplifying your brilliant hack so much, but this article isn't just to sceners, it's to everyone.)

“It's still a hack.” Well thats true, the 360 IS hacked. And it will probably only get further hacked as time goes on. But you must remember, the 360 was out for a full year longer than the PS3 and it has less security than the PS3 (which actually has a special “police” program running constantly to ensure that the PS3 remains secure). More time and less security mean that it's easier to break open.

“Well, fine then, when can we expect a PS3 hack?” Thats a good question but it's very hard to answer. You see, we have many expert hackers trying to break open the PS3 and eventually they will, the problem is that there are many groups of hackers who aren't communicating or sharing information. This means that many hackers are repeating work that another hacker has already done, or that may be useless due to information that another group may have discovered.

While many groups have claimed hacks, none have actually provided any proof, instead we get videos like the recent ICE video and we get excuses. They may very well have incredibly valuable information, but none of it is shared so it's hard to get anything out of it. Paradox may have a loader but no way of running it on the latest PS3 firmware, while another group may have a hack enabling code to be run on the latest firmware, but nothing to run on it.

“Why aren't they sharing?” Typically, the reason they don't want to share is glory. They want to be “first” they want to be “best” they want to be the Dark Alex or DVD Jon or Arnezami of the PS3. They want first dibs and for that, we all suffer. While each group has different skills, I don't think that any scene group is really better than any other.

I think that any group stands an equal chance of finding that hole, because like stumbling around blindly after a treasure, someone is bound to stub their toe on it eventually. But if all groups were to work together, we could pinpoint the treasure, and the beauty of this treasure, is that every PS3 owner wins

Via PS3News

haha, the PS3 will never be hacked!! lets say it did get hacked, Sony would just make an update that wouldnt let you enjoy free online play or PSN access until you updated and if you never update its because your stupid and dont want to enjoy free online play and would much rather pay for it on the 360.

Its actually really close to being hacked. Some would say its already has been. Many people have already ran "Hello World"!
Just search for it on youtube.

no phlak, the PS3 will never be hacked, and like i said before IF it ever does get hacked...it wont be for long cause an update will come out that would stop the PS3 from being able to enjoy online play or get in the PSN. PS3 will remain the only of the next-gens to not be hacked. although i havent gotten to into the Wii and its position on if its hacked or not

Im sorry but you need a kick in the nuts....lol
It has been hacked and will be hacked. We are human being that are not perfect. Nothing is not hackable and will never will be for some time now. You are one of the people that can keep dreaming that updates will help and keep it protected. I remember when XBOX 1 came out and said it would never be hacked but yet today its one of the best HACKED systems known to man. I love my hacked XBOX 1 and its hard to put away and move on. And you know what I would love to just close this thread and move on but I am going to leave it open just to prove you wrong. Sorry but ever since HELLO WORLD has been ran its all down hill from there buddy.

Uhm mate just looked on YouTube no Hello world exploit for the PS3, not to mention and I suppose someone really should say this to you, the PS3 has one thing that will prevent it from running unsigned codes, and that's the fact that the PS3 forcibly checks anything that runs on PS3 for Sony's signature, the system also forces you to update meaning if you don't you can't buy anything from the PSN or play online, humans may be flawed and prone to errors, but that's why they make Firmwares in groups so there's always someone there to catch the mistake of another, the PS3 will not be hacked ever, you can say and feel what you like but it's not going to happen. Any hello world video has been mocked up, debunked, disproved take your pick on the word, it's just not going to happen.

LMAO I think its funny how you guys view the PS3 as a GOD... I am with phlak on this one.. the PS3 is a MAN MADE machine
and MAN can and will hack it. just cause the PS3 apperantly "force checks" for a sony signature doesn't mean a damn thing.. there are always ways around things its just a matter of time until someone finds them.

Yep you're right there is a way around this gut the RSX processor, oh wait then your PS3 is useless you might as well of paid for a $500 paperweight, we don't look to the PS3 as a god we just see it for what it's worth, some of us are more passionate than others about gaming get over it, you consistently come in to the topics and you're not saying anything other than I'm wrong and or agreeing with someone else, I've got no problem with you, or your opinion Stv I value it greatly, but you don't truly know anything about the PS3 or gaming IMHO so how can you say what's what, I've got a set standard of beliefs and knowhow about my system, I know it's internal mechanics, if it's ever hacked it's gonna take a LONG and I mean LONG time

EDIT: Also as the article says, these systems had exploits on their initial firmware releases something the PS3 did not have Sony's PS3 firmware is flawless, you need to remember they had such a horrible experience with the PSP hacking wise so I am pretty sure as they were making the PS3 they wanted to make sure this couldn't happen again, and without an exploit a mod chip would really be your only hope. I mean it's an obvious fact in terms of security they don't care about the PSP anymore if they did, they'd find a way to make the PSP stop reading the code from the modified battery and memory stick. Right now Sony's focus is where it should be with the next generation of PlayStation consoles.

have i mentioned that its REALLY GREAT to have you on the PS3 side gantz? lol, i dont look at the PS3 as a god but more of the better console of the three next-gen. PS3 will remain unhacked for a very long time besides, why would anyone take the chance of a brick with a $500 console? i know i wouldnt..EVER, but lucky i dont have to make that choice since PS3 isnt gonna be hacked

I would take a chance of hacking a $500 console just to say I hacked it...lol ... now where to get started... I was never ever arguing the point about the PS3 being hacked might not be a good idea cause of loss of online play or anything... I never once put that in my post.. I was just saying the PS3 would be possible to hack and I said nothing more than that. all I was getting at s the PS3 is a man made machine and can be hacked as I said before ad I said nothing else.. like I just said I wasnt talking about any of your other opinions like you think I was.... lol

guess what you're trying to say is that the PS3 wont stay hacked? either way im sticking to that the PS3 wont be hacked for a long time to come, because it's just too powerful

not really that it wont stay hacked... I realize you guys are anti hacking the PS3 but there are people out there who would like nothing more... like I said if I had one I would hack it the first moment possible(not that I want one).. there are probably things you guys like others dont which is cool... but if someone wants there PS3 hacked well more power to them I say. they paid the money they can do with it as they please... but I do strongly believe that the PS3 is a hackable machine. theres no doubt in my mind. as you said gantz sony put in a system that forcibly checks for a signature which is smart and a great idea on there behalf but there is always someone smarter out there.

Honestly we dont need to argue STV, just leave this thread open and we can come back to it and say TOLD YA SO! For now let me think its the most secure machine MAN has ever built!!

BTW add me on PSN Gantz...you have a request!

ok phlak agreed....lol

for now im going to agree with phlak, waiting and seeing what actually happens to the PS3. i know ill be the one coming back saying "i told ya so" wait and see...

Team ICE and StreetskaterFU have announced that that they've found a method to execute unsigned code on retail Sony PlayStation 3 units running firmware 2.10. If this proves to be true, then we might be seeing PS3 homebrew soon.

While the current method is still in its early phase, the hackers (and many members of the community) feel that this is very promising. What makes this hack work is a Resistance: Fall of Manexploit which allows the hackers to run SELF files in the PS3s operating system.

So far, they've already coded a program which allows them to convert ELF files into SELF files. All they need to do is clean up the code to get screen output. Once they do so, they plan to create a "Hello World" program on the PS3.

We're gonna keep a close eye on this in the days to come. While waiting for any breakthroughs, you might want to check out the video of the exploit in action and see the hack for yourself.

search q j if you want the actual source

Yeah I watched that same video, it's false it' been proven so sorry once again if the PS3 is to be hacked it'll take a long time as I said. No to mention they are not running an unsigned code the running would mean a visually on the screen and even if this were really it isn't there because....the PS3 force checks for Sony's signature on everything.

not really gantz... unsigned code could be running even though nothing is showing on the screen... could mean they need to clean up there code a bit. not trying to say this is true or false just saying that it is very easily possible for unsigned code to be running with no screen display.

I cant believe u guys are arguing over this. Who gives a f**k. If it does then it does.

well HK88, you clearly missed the part where in this argument it was said that the PS3 was too powerful to be hacked, phlak and stvnkch are making us look stupid because they are proving good points. I guess Gantz and I are kinda retarded.

ya i can bet that the PS3 will be hack in the next year or so but ther will be vary many risks

From ps3hax.net:




Just had this PM'ed to me!

LAMO too bad it's been proven fake, today "Team" ICE posted the supposed hello world display and it was already proven fake, still no hack for the PS3. The fake hello world was the final nail in the coffin for "Team" ICE. Now noone will believe what that post because they are liars.

Im just getting fucking tired of it Gantz. Your guys PS3 fanboy shit needs to stop. You two are both going overboard with the PS3 ruling all the consoles.....its just getting old. What the hell does it matter if it gets hacked? Is it the end of the world for Sony or something? For now the tools are real I have personally downloaded them and used them. The exploit is there face the facts. Try it yourself. The video may be fake and yes the PS3 at this time is not hacked but the tools are promising.

Download the tools here http://www.ps3-hacks.com/

PS3 Fanboy hardly, I just dispute it, I am allowed to say and think what I want, a lot of people have proven the team ICE exploit fake, and considering I own a 360 and a PS3 I am not a fanboy I love both systems I dispute it, I don't believe it's really and exploit if it were an exploit then we'd have more from it, it would be much bigger there would be Hello world, all they've done is found a glitch. I honestly don't give two shits if it gets hacked, what I care about is there not being an ISO loader or something to that effect. Plain and simple, emulators, homebrew, whatever I don't care about any of that, an ISO loader can destroy a system make developers not trust or make games for a system, look what happened to the PSP people pirate games so frequently that developers won't touch the PSP it get a few good games but nothing to really brag about I just dispute it that's all I'm not intending to sound or act fanboy-ish it's just how I feel.

As said before I only closed the other PS3 topic because realG is a spammer and last time I checked we don't support that but if my some fluke the rules have changed, then please send me a copy of the revised ones.

anything manmade was built to be hacked it will get hacked sooner or later

Just wanted to mention that the exploit has now been deemed USELESS. So gantz and jinzo are one up on us again....lol

lil snoopy posted what i said in the shoutbox. well almost..lol I said man is not perfect. the PS3 was made by man therefore it is not perfect and can be hacked ... HAHA I WIN

xD YES! -cheers silently and sips at a glass of champagne- but in all seriousness I am glad, there's really no reason for hacks, I mean yellow dog linux allows homebrew, emulators, ect. The only reason for hacks would be an ISO loader which I do not want to see ever as, as stated before it can ruin a console, in the end I could care less about homebrew, ect as long as there's no ISO loader I am fine.

This what i think. One day hackers might manage to run a ISO loader. In my situation, i wouldn't like to see this happen because:

1: as gantz said it can ruin a console.
2: ps3 games are bigger than ps2 games. it would takes ages to grab a iso, then put in on a ps3.
3. blue ray burners are expensive.

But then again these games are expensive and it would be nice to get them for free. Nothing we can do, ill just sit back and watch what happens i suppose.

Yeah games are pricey but by buying them you make the developers make more, thus the system gets more games and sells better, like I said if someone wants to make a CFW for emulators ect that's fine just no ISO loader, not to mention PS3 uses FAT32 which means no more than 4GB of data can be write at a time.

PS3 WILL BE HACKED! LONG LIVE THE BEGGARS err.. I mean the HACKERS!

well on newsgroups there are 2 things floating around:
1: MCLoad 1.0 (to load programs otherOS.bld and linux kernals)
2: PS3 Alpha HDD Loader 0.01

this last one is a backup launcher for the PS3 that can do the following:
- load ps3 games from the HDD
- load ps3 games from DVD/BD-rom
- copy original PS3 games to your HDD

upcoming updates:
- Read PARAM.SFO for name/titleid, patch to menu (Alpha is hard-coded)
- Support for deleting games from the menu
- Support a few more games to start (Alpha is hard-coded for four)
- Possible support for a "select" menu, versus the button presses

Optimistic things to be added:

- A better GUI
- Backing up PS3 Game files to PC



So who knows, maybe it's closer then we thought

Actually both of those things have been debunked,

-topic closed-

Sorry guys it's nothing personal is just this topic had it's lime light now it's done if you wish to argue about this still start a new topic by all means, go ahead, noone here will stop ya.