Sony has released a new compulsory firmware update for the PS Vita overnight, updating the system’s software to version v2.61. The minor update fixes security exploits within the ‘Arcade’ PSN titles to prevent hackers from running homebrew on the system and pirating games. As the firmware is mandatory, you’ll have to update your console if you want to access the PlayStation Network.
Sony has pulled another game from the PlayStation Store after another exploit allowing homebrew applications to run on the PS Vita is discovered. Gameloft’s PSP game UNO has been pulled from the store after it was discovered the game could be used to run unsigned code from modified game saves.
Recently release firmware v1.81 for the PS Vita has been confirmed to block PSP exploits on the system, namely, Nuer0n’s homebrew loader known as VHBL. Sony has patched the PS Vita system software to crash the console if attempting to use the PSP exploit found in games like Monster Hunter.
It appears that piracy on the PS Vita has arrived sooner than expected. A video has been released showing the PS Vita running a number of PSP ISO / CSO files using a custom loader, probably using the recently discovered exploit, even though it was claimed that the security hole could not be used for piracy.
Sony has pulled Capcom’s Monster Hunter Freedom Unite from the PlayStation Store after a exploit was found in the PSP title, allowing it to run unsigned code. Sony has been quick to respond to exploits on the PS Vita in order to prevent the new console from becoming rife with piracy and exploits like the PSP.
The recently discovered PS Vita exploit by Yifan Lu is limited in the possibilities it opens up to homebrew developers. Lu says he is working on a homebrew loader, but the exploit cannot be used to pirate games as the exploit only gives “user” access to the system.
News has surfaced this morning suggesting a new exploit on the PS Vita has been discovered, allowing native Vita code to be run. A previous exploit (which was later patched by Sony) allowed execution of PSP code via PSP games which has vulnerabilities. The details of the exploit have been kept secret to prevent Sony from patching it.
