First WinterBreak now AdBreak: New jailbreak comes to select Kindles

Since being patched in Kindle firmware version 5.18.1, the WinterBreak exploit was the latest opportunity for Amazon Kindle users to jailbreak their devices. Unfortunately, for users unaware of the benefits of jailbreaking the Kindle, they were left waiting for another exploit to be discovered. Thankfully, the devs over at KindleModding.org have recently released a new exploit known as AdBreak to help Kindle users, excluding the Kindle Scribe and Colorsoft, jailbreak their devices.

For those unfamiliar with Kindle jailbreaking, it is simply the process of granting users root access to their devices. With root access, users have access to extended features on their Kindles, such as:

• Better native support for file types like EPUB and PDF (including PDF reflow), and file formats for comics and manga (CBR/CBZ)
• Integration with the Calibre desktop e-book management tool, allowing wireless transfer and library management
• Advanced reading statistics, configurable gestures, customizable fonts, margins, and a faster user interface
• Replace the default Amazon screensavers with your own images
• Remove the lock screen ads for free

Installing the exploit is relatively simple, but it does have a few prerequisites, which include having a PC with a Kindle cable, a non-blacklisted, registered, and ad-enabled Kindle, and firmware higher than 5.18.1. With those requirements met, the install involves copying some files and running a script. Fortunately, the Kindle Modding site offers a detailed tutorial and FAQ page to help users through the process. Though the exploit is currently functional, it could be patched at any time by Amazon. Therefore, users looking to jailbreak their devices may want to turn off WiFi on their devices until they have a chance to perform the install. For more information on the exploit and installation process, kindly refer to the links below.