- The Relapse jailbreak reportedly supports PS5 firmware from 7.00 through 13.60.
- Reports indicate that the exploit also works on PS5 Pro consoles with compatible firmware.
- The firmware 14.00 of Sony remains outside the currently reported Relapse support range.
A new PS5 jailbreak called Relapse has expanded its reported support to firmware 13.60. The release also reportedly works on the PS5 Pro, widening the range of consoles that can run unofficial software.
The exploit covers PS5 firmware from 7.00 through 13.60, according to its developers. However, the newer 14.00 update from Sony falls outside that range, leaving recently updated consoles unsupported.
Relapse Expands PS5 Jailbreak Support
The Relapse exploit has attracted attention because it reaches much newer PS5 firmware than earlier public jailbreak methods. Its GitHub project lists support from version 7.00 through 13.60. Recent reports say the release can also run on both the standard PS5 and PS5 Pro. That gives owners of compatible hardware access to a wider homebrew development environment.
The timing is important since Sony issued the firmware 14.00 on September 16. Current information shows that Relapse does not work with that version of the firmware. Therefore, having the right firmware on a console is of great importance. An updated PS5 does not mean it has the ability to run the jailbreak automatically.
Additionally, the release also makes the process better than some earlier methods. Reportedly, the Relapse will boot within seconds when used on a supported system. Previous methods could take much more time to complete the procedure, especially on the latest firmware versions.
What Makes the Relapse Exploit Different?
Relapse uses an exploit chain rather than a single software flaw. The chain combines weaknesses in the PS5 WebKit environment with a separate kernel exploit. WebKit handles web content on the console. The kernel manages core parts of the system and controls access to important resources.
The public project describes a browser stage that uses a JavaScriptCore memory leak and a structured clone object pool issue. The kernel stage then uses an address leak and an aio_multi_wait use-after-free race.
The technical information shows the significance of this release to security professionals. Attackers have also recently exploited a zero-day in e-commerce software, with hackers targeting Magento and Adobe Commerce stores. The chain begins with a browser-based entry point and can then escalate to more profound access to the system.
Additionally, the project makes it possible for developers to utilize payloads and a number of other self-made tools they created on their own. Meanwhile, the creators say that the aim of the project is education and security research only.
Users must make use of the exploit again every time the console restarts. Thus, the release does not allow permanent access after each restart. This limitation makes the difference between Relapse and a permanent firmware modification. It also reduces some of the convenience associated with a persistent jailbreak.
PS5 Pro Joins the Reported Compatibility List
The PS5 Pro has become one of the most notable parts of the release. Earlier jailbreak work often focused on specific firmware versions and hardware configurations. Current reports indicate that Relapse also works with the PS5 Pro when the console runs compatible firmware.
This does not mean every PS5 Pro can run the jailbreak. Firmware still determines compatibility, and consoles running version 14.00 remain outside the reported range.
The difference is significant since Sony updates the PS5 software quite often. Each upgrade can alter the code that a vulnerability is reliant upon. As such, the effectiveness of Relapse might change via the new firmware update releases from Sony.
Furthermore, the creators of Relapse would have to keep their product up and running if an update from Sony affects it. The public release provides researchers with more information to carry out their investigations. It also gives homebrew developers a newer firmware target for testing unofficial applications.
What the Release Means for Sony and PS5 Owners
The Relapse release creates another challenge for the console security of Sony. Sony has spent years closing vulnerabilities through system software updates. For PS5 owners, the release also comes with risks. Jailbreaking can cause crashes, system instability or data loss.
The Relapse project has cautioned users about those potential drawbacks. They stated that users must strictly utilize the software on the devices they own or can analyze in accordance with certain agreements. Modifying the console might also result in issues related to accounts and services. Thus, the platform may impose limitations on users who customize their devices.
At the same time, Sony may take action by making updates available in future firmware releases. A new version of the firmware may cover the loopholes that the Relapse relies on. In the meantime, the relevant cutting-edge threshold is firmware 13.60. It has been reported that Relapse can work with firmware versions from 7.00 to 13.60, while firmware 14.00 is currently out of its reach.
The release therefore marks a notable development in PS5 security research. It does not mean that every PlayStation 5 can run the jailbreak, but it expands the reported range considerably.
