A new PS5 jailbreak called Relapse allows custom code execution on specific firmware versions, raising ownership and piracy concerns.
Summary
- The Relapse jailbreak enables custom code execution on PS5 systems with firmware versions 7.00 to 13.60.
- Users must reapply the jailbreak after every restart, and it is not compatible with consoles updated post-September 16.
- Sony recently stated in court that consumers do not own the digital games they purchase.
A new jailbreak for the PlayStation 5, named Relapse, has been made public, allowing users to execute custom code on systems running firmware versions between 7.00 and 13.60. This exploit requires a minor DNS modification.
This release follows Sony's recent court declaration that players do not truly own the digital games they buy, raising questions about consumer rights.
The process, which was shared by Nathan Fargo on X, involves changing the PS5’s primary DNS to 45.56.67.85, accessing the User Guide, and completing the exploit setup via a specified URL. The exploit is hosted on GitHub and is open for modifications under an MIT license.
This jailbreak combines two attack methods, allowing users to run payloads through an ELF loader, which can facilitate homebrew applications and game backups. Despite its potential, the jailbreak is not permanent; it requires reactivation after each console reboot, and users have reported instability, including possible console hangs during operation.
Instructions for jailbreaking PS5 firmware 7-13.60:
Change your PS5's DNS to 45.56.67.85, open the user guide, and enter "https://t.co/cNZwgvGw5L" in the URL box. Wait for the process to complete. Enjoy!
— Apollo (@ApoIIoHB) September 29, 2026
Concerns about piracy are emerging, with users on forums discussing compatible titles for the Relapse jailbreak. The repository notes that it is meant for educational and security research purposes and does not endorse piracy.
Ownership Issues
The release of this jailbreak is particularly timely for Sony, which is currently facing a class action lawsuit in California. The lawsuit argues that the "Buy Now" button misleads consumers into believing they own the digital titles they purchase. Sony contends that it is unreasonable for consumers to assume they are gaining ownership, citing terms that state software is "licensed to you, not sold."
While the case focuses on ownership from the purchasing angle, the jailbreak raises questions about user control over their consoles. This issue has been a long-standing debate, particularly concerning consumer rights and repair rights, exemplified by the case involving Apple and jailbreak developer Justin Freeman, who successfully challenged Apple's attempts to block jailbreaks.
Primavera De Filippi, a research director at CERSA, points out that while users may buy digital assets, the platform retains ultimate control. The Relapse jailbreak attempts to shift some of that control back to users, but only if they keep their consoles on older firmware versions, as those updated to firmware 14.00 after September 16 are not compatible with the exploit.
