PlayStation 5 Faces Potential Full System Hack After ROM Key Leak

PlayStation 5 may now be facing a serious security threat following reports that a critical ROM Key has been leaked online. While Xbox consoles are often praised for security systems strong enough to withstand attacks across multiple generations, no gaming platform is completely immune and Sony’s current flagship console could be the next major target.

According to reports from overseas tech media Tom’s Hardware, a sensitive file related to the PS5’s system security has surfaced publicly. The leaked file is a ROM Key, which works in conjunction with the console’s BootROM, a hardware-level process executed by the system’s processor to verify authentication keys during startup.

Once this ROM Key is exposed, hackers can analyze and decrypt it to gain access to the console’s boot process. This could potentially allow the PlayStation 5 to run emulated operating systems or unauthorized software commonly referred to as a “pirated” or unofficial play mode. Most importantly, this exploit operates entirely at the hardware level, meaning it cannot be fixed through standard software patches or firmware updates.

At this stage, the PlayStation 5 has not yet been fully jailbroken, but the risk is considered extremely high. In addition to Tom’s Hardware, Eurogamer reports that the hackers involved have already identified specific game discs that can be used as part of the exploit chain. As a result, those physical game copies are reportedly being bought up in large quantities, driving prices even higher and creating concern among collectors, as already-rare discs are becoming even harder to find.

For now, all eyes are on Sony to see what countermeasures if any can be implemented to mitigate the damage or prevent widespread exploitation.

The PlayStation 5, first released in 2020, is powered by an AMD Zen 2 8-core, 16-thread CPU, features a high-speed SSD, and includes the DualSense controller with advanced Haptic Feedback for a more immersive experience. To date, the console has surpassed 80 million units sold worldwide, solidifying its position as one of the most successful gaming platforms of the current generation.

Whether this ROM Key leak will escalate into a full-scale security breach remains to be seen, but it is already shaping up to be one of the most concerning threats the PS5 ecosystem has faced so far.

Source: Eurogamer, Tom’s Hardware