Technology

PlayStation 5 ROM keys leaked — jailbreaking could be made easier with BootROM codes

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Jan 1, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

The PlayStation 5's ROM keys have been leaked, potentially making jailbreaking easier by allowing decryption and analysis of the console's bootloader. These leaked keys are at a hardware level and cannot be changed by Sony, posing a significant security challenge. While this leak doesn't immediately lead to jailbroken PS5s, it provides insight for creating custom firmware. Sony may need to address this issue through hardware revisions or recalls, but the impact on existing consoles remains uncertain. This incident echoes past security vulnerabilities in gaming consoles like the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Switch.

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Linux exploit instantly grants administrator access on most distributions since 2017 — cryptography optimization snafu grants root privileges to local users

A recent Linux exploit, CVE-2026-31431, allows local unprivileged users to gain root access instantly on most Linux distributions since 2017. The exploit affects popular distros like Ubuntu, RHEL, Suse, and Amazon Linux, as well as Windows' WSL2. The vulnerability, discovered by Xint Code researchers, involves a cryptography optimization flaw that grants administrator privileges through a devious attack on the AF_ALG socket. While a patch has been released, some distributions may still be vulnerable, requiring mitigation methods like disabling AF_ALG sockets. The exploit occurs in memory without leaving detectable traces on disk, making it challenging to detect with security software.

Tom's Hardware•

8 hours ago

The most severe Linux threat to surface in years catches the world flat-footed

A critical Linux vulnerability, named CopyFail (CVE-2026-31431), has been disclosed by security researchers, allowing unprivileged users to gain root access across various Linux distributions. The exploit code, released by Theori, works universally without modification, posing a significant threat to data centers and personal devices. While the Linux kernel security team patched the vulnerability in several versions, many distributions had not yet implemented the fixes at the time of the exploit's release. This flaw enables attackers to execute malicious activities like hacking multi-tenant systems and creating backdoors, emphasizing the severity of the issue.

Ars Technica•

22 hours ago

Crucial Taiwan undersea cable severed by old shipwreck — backup microwave communications activated to keep population connected

A shipwreck off Dongyin island in Taiwan has severed the undersea cable connecting it to Beigan Island, prompting the activation of backup microwave communications to maintain connectivity for the 1,500 residents. The Matsu Islands' strategic location near mainland China and the Taiwan Strait makes them crucial for Taiwan's military presence. While this incident was due to natural causes, it underscores Taiwan's vulnerability in its global connections. Recent suspicions of deliberate undersea cable damage by Chinese ships have led Taiwan to increase defensive measures and penalties for sabotage attempts. Despite wireless backups, physical undersea cables remain essential for reliable and high-bandwidth internet connections.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

With $1 Cyberattacks on the Rise, Durable Defenses Pay Off

As cyberattacks that cost as little as $1 become more prevalent, the importance of robust cybersecurity defenses is highlighted. The article emphasizes the significance of writing memory-safe code over relying solely on patching vulnerabilities. Experts Evan Johnson and Justin Cappos from New York University stress the need for durable defenses in the face of rapid and powerful cyberattacks facilitated by large language models like Anthropic’s Claude Mythos. They suggest that a comprehensive approach beyond generative AI is essential for effective cyberdefense.

IEEE Spectrum•