Free60: Dangerous Xbox360 Update Killing to-be released Homebrew Hack Posted by XanTium | August 11 13:41 EST | News Category: Xbox360 |
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[QUOTE] On Tuesday, Microsoft has released an Xbox 360 software update that overwrites the first stage bootloader of the system. Although there have been numerous software updates for Microsoft's gaming console in the past, this is the first one to overwrite the vital boot block. Any failure while updating this will break the Xbox 360 beyond repair. Statistics from other systems have shown that about one in a thousand bootloader updates goes wrong, and unless Microsoft has a novel solution to this problem, this puts tens of thousands of Xboxes at risk. It seems that this update is being done to fix a vulnerability already known to the Free60 Project. This vulnerability has been successfully exploited to run arbitrary code, and a complete end user compatible hack has been in development for some time and is planned to be released on free60.org shortly. It will allow users to take back control of their Xboxes and run arbitrary code like homebrew applications or Linux right after turning on the console and without the need of a modchip, finally opening up the Xbox 360 to a level of hacking as the original Xbox. Because of the dangerousness of the update and the homebrew lockout, the Free60 Project advises all Xbox 360 users to not update their systems to the latest software version. The Project website at http://free60.org/ will provide the latest information on this ongoing topic, including the final hack software. Free60 (www.free60.org) is a project that aims to enable Xbox 360 users to run homebrew applications and operating systems like Linux on their consoles. The effort is headed by Felix Domke and Michael Steil, who have a background in dbox2, Xbox and GameCube hacking, and who have spoken at various conferences about their findings. Two years ago, Free60 released a hack that allowed arbitrary code execution using a game ("King Kong Hack") as well as an adapted version of Linux, but this possibility has been disabled by Microsoft in subsequent updates of the Xbox 360 software. Felix and Michael have repeatedly argued that game console manufacturers should open up their platforms to Linux and homebrew, similar to what Sony has done with the PlayStation 3. [/QUOTE] Official Site: http://www.free60.org |
Scenyx Entertainment Community > Xbox360 Forums > Xbox 360 Hacking Forums > General Technical Hacking Discussion
Bring on XBMC, MAME and Zsnes! This is AWESOME news! Good thing I didn't turn on my xbox in the past couple days. The only question remaining for me to wait for this hack is when will it be out? Any timetable for release?
just cant wait for it to come out please say this is true i want homebrew thxs
forgot to say this will bring hell for m$
forgot to say this will bring hell for m$
Well too late, already updated. Looks like no homebrew for me. Oh well I have a pc hooked up to my tv so i don't care.
OMG!!! Been waiting years for this hack! Well done free60 Your going to make me 1 JOLLY s.o.b 
sounds cool......but would have been nice for someone to have installed the beta release, prior , and notify the users that this project was in the loop, to be released shortly....I had no idea about this and check the boards often....now that the official release has been out for a while....most people like me, have already updated....
Don't update, can't connect to Live.
Srry, but i have opted for Live rather than the upcoming of Homebrew hack.
I suppose if you have more than one 360, you can leave one unmodded - but i'm sure not a lot of us are in that situation.
Hopefully we'll see this hack down the line for all 360 console, even ones with the latest kernal - but i doubt it'll happen.; the 360 is way too locked down.
Srry, but i have opted for Live rather than the upcoming of Homebrew hack.
I suppose if you have more than one 360, you can leave one unmodded - but i'm sure not a lot of us are in that situation.
Hopefully we'll see this hack down the line for all 360 console, even ones with the latest kernal - but i doubt it'll happen.; the 360 is way too locked down.
the update won't affect the moded drive firmware though from what i was reading. so if i update my moded one it should be ok as long as i don't expect to ever use homebrew, right??
QUOTE(condor1334 @ Aug 11 2009, 01:06 PM) 
the update won't affect the moded drive firmware though from what i was reading. so if i update my moded one it should be ok as long as i don't expect to ever use homebrew, right??
yeah you should be fine just doesn't mean your safe, never no what else M$ hides in the trunk
Also I'm afraid if M$ gets mad about this home brew stuff and starts coming after every one. Especially in the US where new legislation is making it damn easy for them come after us. I hate how we always get lied to by our politicians.
FUCK YEAH!
Sounds very interesting. Hopefully it's legit and the average 360 owner will get to see homebrew running on their console . Too bad I already updated. Still, there are tons of non updated consoles around. Everything currently on store shelves should be exploitable.
. Too bad I already updated. Still, there are tons of non updated consoles around. Everything currently on store shelves should be exploitable.
Great tell everyone after they updated
Yeah, wtf, a bit late this announcement. 
Other then that, good news and good job!!!
Other then that, good news and good job!!!
so if people have the beta update cant they do it. also what is the kernel version of the new update mines 8496
Damn, i'm glad I have yet to update both of my 360s, now I can keep one for homebrew!
I wonder how said exploit will work... it must be a bootloader-related hack, perhaps a replacement BIOS that takes advantage of a hole in the bootloader?
Maybe something like this:
1. Buy Cygnos360 v2
2. Find super-awesome bootloader-exploiting custom BIOS
3. Use Cygnos360 v2 to find all necessary CPU keys, etc. and apply them to the super-awesome bootloader-exploiting custom BIOS
4. Flash the super-awesome bootloader-exploiting custom BIOS on to the Cygnos360 v2 NAND chip
4. Run XBMC and happy days are had by all! (emulators too)
One can only wonder until it's actually released...
I wonder how said exploit will work... it must be a bootloader-related hack, perhaps a replacement BIOS that takes advantage of a hole in the bootloader?
Maybe something like this:
1. Buy Cygnos360 v2
2. Find super-awesome bootloader-exploiting custom BIOS
3. Use Cygnos360 v2 to find all necessary CPU keys, etc. and apply them to the super-awesome bootloader-exploiting custom BIOS
4. Flash the super-awesome bootloader-exploiting custom BIOS on to the Cygnos360 v2 NAND chip
4. Run XBMC and happy days are had by all! (emulators too)
One can only wonder until it's actually released...
the question remains... will this work on hdmi consoles? if not then I should go ahead and update.. if it does then I'm damn glad I haven't updated my console.. not to mention I was accepted into the beta... so does anyone know if it will.. they left that out so one can only guess if it does or not.
QUOTE(theevilhacker63 @ Aug 11 2009, 06:34 PM)
the question remains... will this work on hdmi consoles? if not then I should go ahead and update.. if it does then I'm damn glad I haven't updated my console.. not to mention I was accepted into the beta... so does anyone know if it will.. they left that out so one can only guess if it does or not.
should be fine,just bought another 1 now cant wait for the release
QUOTE(theevilhacker63 @ Aug 11 2009, 07:34 PM)
the question remains... will this work on hdmi consoles? if not then I should go ahead and update.. if it does then I'm damn glad I haven't updated my console.. not to mention I was accepted into the beta... so does anyone know if it will.. they left that out so one can only guess if it does or not.
Thats the big question, even if it takes few weeks to months to get it fully working, it must work on HDMI consoles, otherwise the vast mayority of 360 users will be very disapointed.
I don't really remember these dudes from xbox 1, but well, lets wait and see if they keep their words and release something big.
Why did you keep this information so late? 4 hours earlier and I would finally have 360 homebrew! PLEASE FIND AN EXPLOIT!
a little too late lol guess ima be making a trip to walmart soon
what kernel version is the update that patches the homebrew
see that's why even when there was no news about updates/hacks I always waited a few days before I updated my consoles just for this reason.
I sure do hope this is for non-hdmi and hdmi consoles if not it's about as useful as the news from the other day about the modchip being released..
yeah sure any update on the homebrew scene is good news but if it doesn't work for everyone then it's nothing to get excited about. hopefully this changes stuff for the better..
I sure do hope this is for non-hdmi and hdmi consoles if not it's about as useful as the news from the other day about the modchip being released..
yeah sure any update on the homebrew scene is good news but if it doesn't work for everyone then it's nothing to get excited about. hopefully this changes stuff for the better..
Quoted from xbox-hacker.net by Tmbinc(dont go posting nubby stuff there)
We kept on working on this idea, and it worked out. pretty well. We use JTAG to program the DMA target addr, and then SMC to trigger the DMA read. The exploit itself is based on the old 4532 exploit.
The magic is how we launch 4532 - there is a "backdoor" for manufacturing since CB 1920. We have been able to restore the newer CD versions for all hardware types.
This means:
- We can boot own code in HV context ~5s after boot, before any video output, right after the kernel runs.
- we need to reflash the flash, and add 3 resistors for the JTAG (no modchip required! but you might want a dual-nand modchip),
- 8498 kills this by updating the bootloader - it blacklists 4532/4548. it also does hw init stuff which might interefere with the jtag hack, we don't know yet.
- we have a proof of concept hack, we will release it SOON (a matter of hours/days, not more - promised.).
- DON'T UPDATE to summer 09. Did i already say this?
- you don't need to know your cpu key. You can update to all BUT summer '09. you don't need a dvdrom.
- It works on all xenon, zephyr, falcon, opus, jasper. Unless you have updated to 849x. Then you're screwed.
Shit its true and im actually really happy.
QUOTE
We kept on working on this idea, and it worked out. pretty well. We use JTAG to program the DMA target addr, and then SMC to trigger the DMA read. The exploit itself is based on the old 4532 exploit.
The magic is how we launch 4532 - there is a "backdoor" for manufacturing since CB 1920. We have been able to restore the newer CD versions for all hardware types.
This means:
- We can boot own code in HV context ~5s after boot, before any video output, right after the kernel runs.
- we need to reflash the flash, and add 3 resistors for the JTAG (no modchip required! but you might want a dual-nand modchip),
- 8498 kills this by updating the bootloader - it blacklists 4532/4548. it also does hw init stuff which might interefere with the jtag hack, we don't know yet.
- we have a proof of concept hack, we will release it SOON (a matter of hours/days, not more - promised.).
- DON'T UPDATE to summer 09. Did i already say this?
- you don't need to know your cpu key. You can update to all BUT summer '09. you don't need a dvdrom.
- It works on all xenon, zephyr, falcon, opus, jasper. Unless you have updated to 849x. Then you're screwed.
Shit its true and im actually really happy.
Are you kidding me?! By the time I finished reading this my Xbox had just finished updating!
Aaaw, guess I've gotta buy a new one them...
Anyway, GREAT that homebrew is finally coming! been waiting for years:p
Aaaw, guess I've gotta buy a new one them...
Anyway, GREAT that homebrew is finally coming! been waiting for years:p
dont matter about my question i found it on the internet the new update that came out to day is 8498 the one on free60 has 849x umm wants to no if that means all 9x or just 98
or just 98
I dream about that for many years lol
I'm very happy to know my dream will come
Playing emulators on 360, using XBMC, ....
Fantastic !!!!
Not update the x360 now lol
I'm very happy to know my dream will come
Playing emulators on 360, using XBMC, ....
Fantastic !!!!
Not update the x360 now lol
GUYS, THIS MEANS YOU HAVE TO DOWNGRADE YOUR BOXES NOW!
ONLY IF YOU HAVE YOUR CPU KEY YOU CAN SAVE YOUR BOX!!!!
ONLY IF YOU HAVE YOUR CPU KEY YOU CAN SAVE YOUR BOX!!!!
QUOTE
- you don't need to know your cpu key. You can update to all BUT summer '09. you don't need a dvdrom.
Sounds good to me. I've got an old (and currently useless) 360 sitting in my cupboard which lost it's DVD key a long time ago.
YES!
Glad I didn't update!
Glad I didn't update!
so after we apply this hack that is going to be released would we then be able to update to the summer 09 update? Or would that overwrite this hack? Just wondering if i'm going to need to go out and buy another console to run homebrew, and keep the one I have now for live.
QUOTE(FoxRacR17 @ Aug 11 2009, 01:31 PM)
so after we apply this hack that is going to be released would we then be able to update to the summer 09 update? Or would that overwrite this hack? Just wondering if i'm going to need to go out and buy another console to run homebrew, and keep the one I have now for live.
Summer 09 completely blocked the update, basically the cheapest way atm to get hombrew is to get a no dvd key motherboard. Any non updated console works, including all the ones in stores atm.
So, this new Free60 exploit doesn't require a mod and they state that the console boots into Linux straightaway.
Is it not possible to have an exploited Xbox 360 that you can run Linux/Homebrew on and also run games but without a mod?
Is it not possible to have an exploited Xbox 360 that you can run Linux/Homebrew on and also run games but without a mod?
Tmbinc writes(XBH): "no modchip required! but you might want a dual-nand modchip"
now a dual nand comes handy.... yeah
now a dual nand comes handy.... yeah
QUOTE(Vejita @ Aug 11 2009, 08:37 PM)
So, this new Free60 exploit doesn't require a mod and they state that the console boots into Linux straightaway.
Is it not possible to have an exploited Xbox 360 that you can run Linux/Homebrew on and also run games but without a mod?
After the comunity get its hands on a working and unlocked xbox 360 then getting the updates to be moded and installed just like the CFW for psp and wii is just the next step.
QUOTE(moreniu @ Aug 11 2009, 06:43 PM)
After the comunity get its hands on a working and unlocked xbox 360 then getting the updates to be moded and installed just like the CFW for psp and wii is just the next step.
Yeah I suppose. I wouldn't want to do without NXE and HDD game installs just for homebrew though getting another 360 is an option if we don't get custom firmware like PSP/Wii.
good news but my box is being updated right now .¬) DAMN!!
Has there been any problems with the update for those who have their console modded?
QUOTE
- you don't need to know your cpu key. You can update to all BUT summer '09. you don't need a dvdrom.
this is huge news. that solves the catch 22 of "i can extract the dvd key from the motherboard, but i need a working dvd drive to do it".
i can't believe what i'm reading right now. this is excellent work everyone.
---edit---
tmbinc confirmed that this exploit can be used to recover the drive key.
QUOTE
- It's possible to recover DVD keys. In fact, no DVD-ROM is required to run the hack, so it's possible to run own code, dump cpu key, decrypt HV, inject key, flash back. Note that I personally don't like games, so I won't be of much help here.
- No, even if you know your CPU key, it's not possible to downgrade back from 8498.
- Right now, the only way to support both gaming and hacking would be a dual-nand modchip, which switches between nand contents. Note that you still couldn't update to 8498, as it likely (haven't tried) doesn't run without R6T3.
From a technical perspective, I want to stress that this is not "yet another bug" - it's THE SAME bug we used 2 years ago. It's just that we changed the way how we write to memory, and that allows for the new cool features.
QUOTE(Ninjaman @ Aug 11 2009, 02:55 PM)
Has there been any problems with the update for those who have their console modded?
I have a flashed dvd drive and I got in on the preview program and haven't had any issues. 360 homebrew is awesome news. I can't wait to install a 500 gb hdd onto my 360!!!!!
QUOTE(Ninjaman @ Aug 11 2009, 08:55 PM)
Has there been any problems with the update for those who have their console modded?
my friends box who is running ixtreme 1.6 on a liteon v1 with a jasper board attempted to update his box and the update failed, his xbox is now a brick. I think the dvd firmware, but the sad fact is that his xbox is bricked. What he described to me was his update was downloading, the xbox then told him the update had failed, then his screen went blank and he got 3 red rings (top left, bottom left, and bottom right). He then turned the box off, and after that it wouldn't turn on.
QUOTE(FoxRacR17 @ Aug 11 2009, 01:31 PM)
so after we apply this hack that is going to be released would we then be able to update to the summer 09 update? Or would that overwrite this hack? Just wondering if i'm going to need to go out and buy another console to run homebrew, and keep the one I have now for live.
You are most likely going to need to purchase a second 360 for homebrew.
Just like the original XBOX days, you won't be able to have Live and homebrew on the same machine.
I'm not 100% on this, but it is VERY likely.
QUOTE(leorimolo @ Aug 11 2009, 08:34 PM)
Summer 09 completely blocked the update, basically the cheapest way atm to get hombrew is to get a no dvd key motherboard. Any non updated console works, including all the ones in stores atm.
thanks for taking the time to reply but you misunderstood.I have yet to update my elite system with the summer 09 update. i have not been following the 360 scene but im wondering if i wait until this hack comes out and apply it to my 360 first, then will i be able to install the summer 09 update and play on live with my elite? or will the summer 09 update undo whatever this hack does?
IS there ANY chance of a workaround for those who updated?
this also means that if you apply this hack, you can launch any dashboard version. you can also launch the newest one. you can play live, play games.... but you never boot directly into the new version, you dont update to the new version. you launch it THROUGH the exploit.
this means MS is basically fucked if you dont update now. so DONT!
this means MS is basically fucked if you dont update now. so DONT!
who knows?
so... dont do like me and dont update if you want to run some code (only linux?) or .xex´s as well. ?
edit:
or .xbe´s as well?
who knows?
QUOTE
Although there have been numerous software updates for Microsoft's gaming console in the past, this is the first one to overwrite the vital boot block
so... dont do like me and dont update if you want to run some code (only linux?) or .xex´s as well. ?
edit:
or .xbe´s as well?
who knows?
I can finally put my banned box to some good use!!!!
this is bollocks
its too late for 90% of users because i was in the preview and didnt get told about this and also
they new about this for a while so why wait till today to tell us ? ?? what a load of shit
free60 ? lol more like microsoft getting rid of there old xboxs off the shelves
its too late for 90% of users because i was in the preview and didnt get told about this and also
they new about this for a while so why wait till today to tell us ? ?? what a load of shit
free60 ? lol more like microsoft getting rid of there old xboxs off the shelves
Would we then be able to launch games from hdd even if our dvd drive is broken?
You can't really blame Felix and Michael for their timing guys. It's not like M$ advertised what was going to be in the new update, at least not to this level. Nobody could have known until it's release. When drawn into perspective this was a very quick response. It's going to save alot of people missing out on an excellent opportunity still. Even if you did already update, it gives you good leeway to save up and get another 360, even a brand new one if you wanted. I'm going to hold off on the update myself, but only for a bit because my cables shut off. 
POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!
POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!
QUOTE(drkoolbeanz @ Aug 11 2009, 10:21 PM)
You can't really blame Felix and Michael for there timing guys. It's not like M$ advertised what was going to be in the new update, at least not to this level. Nobody could have known until it's release. When drawn into perspective this was a very quick response. It's going to save alot of people missing out on an excellent opportunity still. Even if you did already update, it give you good leeway to save up and get another 360, even a brand new one if you wanted. I'm going to hold off on the update myself, but only for a bit because my cables shut off.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!
you can blame them ive got one good reason
they knew they had a hack nearly ready before the update was out why not warn us and tell us to wait till they looked at the update and what it does ?
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