Prolapse PS5 console jailbreak for firmware 14.10 may expose GTA 6 to piracy

Sony released a series of updates that threatened to slow PS5 jailbreak progress. However, the Prolapse kernel exploit reportedly is compatible with firmware 14.00 and 14.10. While not the latest console software, the discovery may boost a piracy scene eager to target Rockstar’s GTA 6.

A Relapse successor

PlayStation security expert Jose Coixao shared the news about Prolapse on social media. The hacker summarized the exploit and advised console owners not to install firmware later than 14.00. It’s similar to Relapse, but this approach focuses on a memory management flaw in the aio_multi_delete function.

On October 21st, Sony’s 14.20 update went live, bringing “Improved messaging and usability on some screens.” Still, homebrew enthusiasts suspected it contained security fixes. Sure enough, Coixao claims it addressed the vulnerability used in the new PS5 jailbreak.

Fellow hacker Gezine also recently teased a kernel exploit that allegedly worked with firmware 14.10. Even so, Prolapse is more likely to see public distribution. Gezine has often kept their findings private, fearing it would hasten countermeasures against jailbreaks.

Is GTA 6 safe from piracy?

Despite encouraging signs, Byepervisor-Reborn does not function with any software version after 13.60. The hypervisor bypass is aimed at a separate security layer and helps dump and boot PS5 game backups. Regardless, Coixao hinted that 14.00 may support the bypass following further investigation.

Until homebrew development advances, the GTA 6 release date could arrive free of piracy concerns. Data mining suggested the Rockstar title will require 14.10 to run. As a result, creating a bootable backup through the PS5 jailbreak seems unlikely for now. Another potential obstacle is that the title could demand even newer software by its November 19th launch.

Some PlayStation console users may feel compelled to download Sony’s updates. Gamers can't log in to PSN unless they are on at least version 14.10. So far, the stipulation doesn’t apply to firmware 14.20, but that could change at any time. It has also reignited the debate over whether consumers should have to keep hardware current to enjoy purchased games.