Twice a year, the GeekPwn carnival is an event held around the world. It's actually a security geek contest intended for smart devices and is often the place for expert hackers to show their expertise in exposing vulnerabilities in devices like mainstream routers, smart cameras, and smart devices. During the latest GeekPwn event, a PlayStation 4 has curiously made an appearance. Another surprising device that was present during the event was a working version of Linux, Super Mario Bros., and more significantly, version 4.01 of the PS4 firmware.
About the leaked demo
A demo of the exploit has been posted on YouTube, and it appears to be relying heavily on the Webkit browser. But what's perhaps the most important thing about the demo is that it's supposedly running on version 4.01 of the PS4 firmware. Of course, users will know that a new firmware update - 4.05 - has just been released this week. Given how fast Sony has reacted in the past towards exploits on their PS4, it is very much possible that the latest patch was, in some way, related to the results of the GeekPwn demo.
About Linus on the PS4
Linux distributions for the PlayStation 4 isn't that new of a concept. It has been floating around ever since the start of the year. The problem is on getting it working on modern firmware, a competition that Sony has, by, done a pretty impressive job of winning. And as of now, they are likely going to stay ahead for the foreseeable future, as the team responsible for the find reminded in a Tweet:
"According to the rule of @GeekPwn hacking contest, the bugs we used in jailbreaking PS4 will be reported to @Sony."
Sony is still going to push with the PS4
Even if that wasn't really the case, Sony is going to push through with the PS4 Pro. Newest hardware will be introducing some new variables that will be needing to be taken into account, and you won't be able to do that until the hardware lands in consumers' hands. Players can thank these hackers for delivering Super Mario earlier than expected.
