AfterDawn: Tech news

Geohot publishes PS3 root key

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 03 Jan 2011 11:45 User comments (30)

Geohot publishes PS3 root key Last week, a hacking group called "fail0verflow" presented the PlayStation 3 "private key," a master code that Sony uses to authorize code on all retail consoles.
Knowing the root key means any hacker can gain full control of the PS3 system, without needing to jailbreak it using a USB dongle.

Today, infamous iPhone hacker Geohot released the root key to the world, beating fail0verflow to the punch.

Reads the post:


erk: C0 CE FE 84 C2 27 F7 5B D0 7A 7E B8 46 50 9F 93 B2 38 E7 70 DA CB 9F F4 A3 88 F8 12 48 2B E2 1B
riv: 47 EE 74 54 E4 77 4C C9 B8 96 0C 7B 59 F4 C1 4D
pub: C2 D4 AA F3 19 35 50 19 AF 99 D4 4E 2B 58 CA 29 25 2C 89 12 3D 11 D6 21 8F 40 B1 38 CA B2 9B 71 01 F3 AE B7 2A 97 50 19
R: 80 6E 07 8F A1 52 97 90 CE 1A AE 02 BA DD 6F AA A6 AF 74 17
n: E1 3A 7E BC 3A CC EB 1C B5 6C C8 60 FC AB DB 6A 04 8C 55 E1
K: BA 90 55 91 68 61 B9 77 ED CB ED 92 00 50 92 F6 6C 7A 3D 8D
Da: C5 B2 BF A1 A4 13 DD 16 F2 6D 31 C0 F2 ED 47 20 DC FB 06 70



~geohot

props to fail0verflow for the asymmetric half
no donate link, just use this info wisely
i do not condone piracy

if you want your next console to be secure, get in touch with me. any of you 3.
it'd be fun to be on the other side.

...and this is a real self, hello world
although it's not NPDRM, so it won't run off the hard drive
shouts to the guys who did PSL1GHT
without you, I couldn't release this

first piece of homebrew you can run
put in service mode, put on usb stick, boot

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30 user comments

14.1.2011 00:11

The past few months of this kind of news has been getting me closer and closer to buying that PS3 already...

24.1.2011 00:44

Originally posted by shortybob:
The past few months of this kind of news has been getting me closer and closer to buying that PS3 already...
thats how i was 5months ago
ended up buying one
end result

why didnt i get it sooner

34.1.2011 00:53

i got a ps3 slim with 3.50fw for christmas and havnt even used apart from to check firmware version, it is only one update behind my current fat ps3 3.55fw, i searched it up (last week or two) and discovered that 3.50fw was easier to jailbrake/downgrade, so i was about to order a x3max to do that to my new ps3 slim 3.50fw, but this code would let me do it to my old ps3 and let my new one be updated, am i right? and could anyone who has any knoledge of this have any ideas for me, thanx

44.1.2011 01:10

Quote:
if you want your next console to be secure, get in touch with me. any of you 3.
it'd be fun to be on the other side.
Hopefully Sony and Microsoft don't take him up on that...I really don't care if the next Nintendo gets broken, as it will probably be very similar in spec to a PS3...just like the wII is similar in spec to the PS2.

54.1.2011 02:09

Originally posted by seakz:
but this code would let me do it to my old ps3 and let my new one be updated, am i right?
AFAIK, if this is indeed what GeoHot claims (a master key that Sony uses to sign code) it will run on any PS3 no matter what the firmware version is. Changing/revoking this would cause all current retail games to stop functioning on the PS3 since they are "signed" with it.

The file on his site is "Lv2diag.self"; I believe that is a service file that allows firmware downgrades.

64.1.2011 05:02

who cares i just want it as a server sitting in my wardrobe collecting dust like it should hahaha, then go play my 360 :P

74.1.2011 05:13

sounds like "egohot" didnt like someone else getting the credit for all the hard work cracking the system

84.1.2011 05:31

and what am i to do with the code
how do i use it ????????

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 04 Jan 2011 @ 5:32

94.1.2011 05:37

noob ^^^^^^^^

104.1.2011 07:32
ps3lvanub
Inactive

Originally posted by 3MUK:
noob ^^^^^^^^
Well can you explain what exactly it's use is, smartass?

114.1.2011 09:07

Originally posted by ps3lvanub:
Originally posted by 3MUK:
noob ^^^^^^^^
Well can you explain what exactly it's use is, smartass?
Knowing the root key means any hacker can gain full control of the PS3 system, without needing to jailbreak it using a USB dongle.

124.1.2011 11:17

Ok, so for us that are not hackers, crackers, or just plain coding nerds, does anyone know how or where we can find the info on how to use/apply the code?

134.1.2011 11:20

Originally posted by axlman:
Ok, so for us that are not hackers, crackers, or just plain coding nerds, does anyone know how or where we can find the info on how to use/apply the code?
yes go to psx-scene.com and have fun

144.1.2011 11:29

so 3MUK you dont know just bull knob

154.1.2011 11:43

Originally posted by busabill:
so 3MUK you dont know just bull knob
is that even english? no really dont understand what u mean.


lol sorry for callin u noob just had a blast from psx-scene.com with some noob questions

164.1.2011 12:13

Originally posted by 3MUK:
Originally posted by busabill:
so 3MUK you dont know just bull knob
is that even english? no really dont understand what u mean.


lol sorry for callin u noob just had a blast from psx-scene.com with some noob questions
so how do i use the code

174.1.2011 13:26
doucheington
Unverified new user

Originally posted by busabill:
Originally posted by 3MUK:
Originally posted by busabill:
so 3MUK you dont know just bull knob
is that even english? no really dont understand what u mean.


lol sorry for callin u noob just had a blast from psx-scene.com with some noob questions
so how do i use the code
you dont, unless u are experienced in writing programs. the code is used to sign software. so you can write something and the ps3 thinks its a legit sony program. Essentially giving hacks full control over whatever they want.

184.1.2011 15:42

so what the point of it then.yes i'm a noob so what

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 04 Jan 2011 @ 3:43

194.1.2011 16:05

Originally posted by xBRFCx:
so what the point of it then.yes i'm a noob so what
Signing Homebrew with this code will make it play on any PS3 since it will look like a Sony-authorized program to the PS3.

Other potential includes the use of Linux/OtherOS even on Slim PS3s as well as the ability for pirates to "sign" games and have them run via USB in a fashion similar to the Wii. With this key a PS3 USB Loader might even be possible without the need to "Jailbreak" the console or install anything.

204.1.2011 19:24

Um...What Pop_Smith said! ;-)

i.e. it's not directly useful to people in general...just those who are able and want to run/release 'homebrew' PS3 software.

re: Linux/Other OS...keep in mind, there still wouldn't be much graphics acceleration until a hacked RSX driver is created.

214.1.2011 23:35

Originally posted by Pop_Smith:
Originally posted by xBRFCx:
so what the point of it then.yes i'm a noob so what
Signing Homebrew with this code will make it play on any PS3 since it will look like a Sony-authorized program to the PS3.

Other potential includes the use of Linux/OtherOS even on Slim PS3s as well as the ability for pirates to "sign" games and have them run via USB in a fashion similar to the Wii. With this key a PS3 USB Loader might even be possible without the need to "Jailbreak" the console or install anything.
No ones going to jailbreak a PS3 just to install linux.

it's all BS.

It's so you can pirate games.

All the current "homebrew" released has only been for pirating stuff or making programs work so it makes it easier to pirate stuff on it.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 04 Jan 2011 @ 11:36

225.1.2011 04:02
ps3lvanub
Inactive

Originally posted by xtago:
Originally posted by Pop_Smith:
Originally posted by xBRFCx:
so what the point of it then.yes i'm a noob so what
Signing Homebrew with this code will make it play on any PS3 since it will look like a Sony-authorized program to the PS3.

Other potential includes the use of Linux/OtherOS even on Slim PS3s as well as the ability for pirates to "sign" games and have them run via USB in a fashion similar to the Wii. With this key a PS3 USB Loader might even be possible without the need to "Jailbreak" the console or install anything.
No ones going to jailbreak a PS3 just to install linux.

it's all BS.

It's so you can pirate games.

All the current "homebrew" released has only been for pirating stuff or making programs work so it makes it easier to pirate stuff on it.

It's sad to say it but he is very right. Take the 360. It has been hacked solely for piracy for the great majority of it's life cycle. It has only been busted wide open, however, for homebrew in the last year a so. This leads to the conclusion that while the hack developers probably want to just run homebrew, the masses who use a homebrew hack don't want to pay for their games, so a couple of devs from these masses write some program to play pirate games on the machine, whether they be off GoD, USB device or some other medium, and voilà. You have mass piracy.

I think it's safe to say that for a few people it's just about the homebrew, for some it's about the piracy but for the majority it's about both.

I think that hack devs in general are very naíve (have I spelt that right?) people. They complain and so do their followers: 'Why was this exploit patched? We only want to run our own code and play great games like Mario 64 and shit!'. They are forgetting the big picture. They may want to use it just for running their own code, but the vast majority will use it for piracy. You can understand the big companies want to protect their consoles like hell. Console is unhacked and jailed: Business is good. Console is smashed open for the world to grace with it's own code: Business starts going south. Fast.

It conclusion to the entire post. It hack devs probably do it mostly for homebrew, but 90% percent of people out there will use it for piracy.

235.1.2011 05:46

i will games cost to much

245.1.2011 08:25

Quote:
No ones going to jailbreak a PS3 just to install linux.

it's all BS.

It's so you can pirate games.

All the current "homebrew" released has only been for pirating stuff or making programs work so it makes it easier to pirate stuff on it.
Of course it's BS. If you leave keys in a brand new car in the middle of nowhere, all alone and you tell me all I can do is mess with the radio, do you actually think im not gonna drive it?

255.1.2011 09:25

Who cares about the why's or what the majority of people will use it for? The point is the unhackable PS3 appears to be hacked wide open for good this time.

I look at it like a PC...If I buy it it's mine and I should be able to do what I want with it. The publishers of the games I pirate (if any) should worry about the piracy...

265.1.2011 12:11

Originally posted by xtago:
No ones going to jailbreak a PS3 just to install linux.

it's all BS.

It's so you can pirate games.
Did I say that? No, I didn't I said this has the potential to let users install Linux on their machines again. I never said Linux was the only reason a user would jailbreak their machine(s).

I also said that it could lead to a USB Loader like the Wii which does lead to piracy.

275.1.2011 15:56

First cutom FW created for the PS3!! Let the looting and pilaging begin!! Argghh! ---Chikn

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/01/first-custom-firmware-arrives-for-hacked-ps3s.ars

286.1.2011 00:51

i hope Geotard gets shitecanned sooner than later, he's a worthless spotlight stealer. this was Overflows time to shine but Noo Dur dur durrrr Geotard to the rescue.

297.1.2011 03:24
ps3lvanub
Inactive

Originally posted by DXR88:
i hope Geotard gets shitecanned sooner than later, he's a worthless spotlight stealer. this was Overflows time to shine but Noo Dur dur durrrr Geotard to the rescue.
Agreed. He's an immature prick.

307.1.2011 09:21

Originally posted by ps3lvanub:
Originally posted by xtago:
Originally posted by Pop_Smith:
Originally posted by xBRFCx:
so what the point of it then.yes i'm a noob so what
Signing Homebrew with this code will make it play on any PS3 since it will look like a Sony-authorized program to the PS3.

Other potential includes the use of Linux/OtherOS even on Slim PS3s as well as the ability for pirates to "sign" games and have them run via USB in a fashion similar to the Wii. With this key a PS3 USB Loader might even be possible without the need to "Jailbreak" the console or install anything.
No ones going to jailbreak a PS3 just to install linux.

it's all BS.

It's so you can pirate games.

All the current "homebrew" released has only been for pirating stuff or making programs work so it makes it easier to pirate stuff on it.

It's sad to say it but he is very right. Take the 360. It has been hacked solely for piracy for the great majority of it's life cycle. It has only been busted wide open, however, for homebrew in the last year a so. This leads to the conclusion that while the hack developers probably want to just run homebrew, the masses who use a homebrew hack don't want to pay for their games, so a couple of devs from these masses write some program to play pirate games on the machine, whether they be off GoD, USB device or some other medium, and voilà. You have mass piracy.

I think it's safe to say that for a few people it's just about the homebrew, for some it's about the piracy but for the majority it's about both.

I think that hack devs in general are very naíve (have I spelt that right?) people. They complain and so do their followers: 'Why was this exploit patched? We only want to run our own code and play great games like Mario 64 and shit!'. They are forgetting the big picture. They may want to use it just for running their own code, but the vast majority will use it for piracy. You can understand the big companies want to protect their consoles like hell. Console is unhacked and jailed: Business is good. Console is smashed open for the world to grace with it's own code: Business starts going south. Fast.

It conclusion to the entire post. It hack devs probably do it mostly for homebrew, but 90% percent of people out there will use it for piracy.
"naive" seems fine but I don't think spelt is spelled correctly.

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