All About the Jailbreak Scene - Noobs Read [TUTORIAL/FAQ/INFO]

[damanptyltd]

N00B FAQ

The Story

Whats happening?

The PS3 has been exploited on a very high level, allowing us to use the system other then what it was intended by Sony for.

Who started it all?

Geohot first exploited the PS3 system back a while now, to try and allow full control of the PS3 system. He bypased the systems main security module, sending uproar at Sony HQ. In response to this Sony removed the OtherOS function off all PS3 consoles.

Why did Sony do that!?

They thought it would lead to the system being compromised by hackers and saw it as a security risk. But really all their actions did was cause anger in the scene because they were removing a core function of the PS3 which was advertised at the sale of the product, which can be seen as illegal.

So what happened after that?

Somehow, someone got a hold of information on how to enable access to higher levels of the PS3, allow a retail PS3 to have the features of a Debug PS3 simply by plugging in a USB Dongle at each boot. This allowed unsigned code to be run, including the emulation of PS3 games.

Whoa so Sony was Pissed?

Very. They brought out firmware updates that patched the security hole that allowed the exploit and stopped the exploited consoles from accessing the PSN network. From here it was a major battle between hackers and Sony to exploit newer firmwares, but really Sony could do nothing but watch. Then at a hacking convention big news broke.

OMG what!?

A team of hackers called Fail0verflow managed to gain almost complete access of the PS3 by exploiting an error in the encryption system the PS3 uses. They gained the power to find the keys to all levels of the system, making it completely volunerable and unpatchable by Sony.

Why are the keys so special?

Those keys were used to verify that software was valid and signed by Sony to run on the PS3. By having those codes, we could trick Sony and the PS3 into thinking any program/ software or code was verified by Sony and is allowed to run. This meant we could make any code run on any firmware.

So Sony get screwed huh?

Yep pretty much. So what did they do? Pulled out the scare tactics. They are currently trying to sue Geohot and Fail0verload for publishing the keys on the internet. This case will go no where though, it has no really good legal grounds, and its just trying to stop people hacking the system. So really PS3 can never fully recover from the hacks as the exploits run too deep into the system.



How To


GREAT! Now how do i get started?

Well the original method required you be on OFW 3.41, but now you can jailbreak on OFW 3.55!!

But you must pay close attention to which method you choose, or you could brick your PS3!

Waninkoko's CFW + Back Up Manager
This CFW allows the running of special signed PKGs, and you can also run backups with the normal backup managers around. CAUTION: ONLY WORKS ON CERTAIN CONSOLES, OTHERWISE BRICK! READ LINK FOR COMPATIBILITY.

Wutangrza CFW + Back Up Manager
This firmware stock, is similar to Waninkoko's CFW, except it is a lot safer and doesn't have backups enabled straight up. BUT if you really want it you can read THIS and get backups working with manager, but it requires you to do it ever single time you boot. The alternate method makes each game setup longer, but works better in the long run. Its located HERE and compatible games are HERE.


If you want a nice comparative table so you can see the differences, go HERE.

UPDATE : New Safe method with all functions of current CFW HERE


Do these firmwares allow PSN access?

Currently, YES.

Can Sony ban me?

Yes, but no reported bans have occurred YET.

You can jailbreak any PS3 with CFW?

Yes, but make sure you choose the right one for your console.

Can i downgrade from 3.55?

Yes, read THIS. For PHAT PS3 models only, it BRICKS SLIMS.

[perspex]

u know wat i really wanna know? how is all this legal? what geohot n failoverflow is doing is legal??? HOW!!!! sometimes the LAW ROCKS..(emphasizing on SOMETIMES)

[damanptyltd]

u know wat i really wanna know? how is all this legal? what geohot n failoverflow is doing is legal??? HOW!!!! sometimes the LAW ROCKS..(emphasizing on SOMETIMES)

Haha there is a law on freedom to express and explore digital media platforms you own. So because geohot and Fail0verload purchased their PS3 systems, they have a certain amount of freedom to utilize the PS3 as they desire, similar to a home PC.

[blazie151]

This should be stickied, and edited so it only shows the kmeaw cfw method. Any noob reading this shouldn't be trying wan's cfw, too risky. And they shouldn't be going on wutang's, it requires signatures that some devs aren't doing; most noobs won't be familiar with signing the pkgs themselves.

[Luis Arias]

this cleared everything up, now im going to get started on the hacking scene.

[NightmareLuffy]

You don't mention anything about the risks you take when you install custom firmware, install "homebrew" software & play backups. n00bs should know that this is not without risks! Even with all the methods so far to achieve something like stealth!