SKFU interview details more on his native Vita hack

An interview over at the PsXtools community from SKFU reveals some more information on SKFU’s attempts at fully hacking the Vita, what he has done and the possibility of a release. Awhile back SKFU teased us with was is believed to be a native Vita hack with a custom app on the homescreen and the reveal of the common app paths along with his obtainment of devkit Vitas. Now the interview with SKFU reveals some light on what exactly he has been doing including a batch of images of his exploit in action, showing off directory access. I’ve translated the interview from German to English which you can read below. Keep in mind that we have no verifiable proof of this in our hands so far:

 

ps X tools.de: ”You have your own exploit for the PS Vita – What is this?” 

SKFU: “I’m working on several different exploits, including some less and others more useful. I haven’t yet been any further than User Mode, this time Sony didn’t do ​​a terrible job.”

 

“For example, the FS (File System) is more secure than on the PlayStation 3, but hopefully it’s only a matter of time. Unfortunately, the problem of all current exploits is to port them and adapt them to a new system, since they are highly adapted to the respective systems on which they were created. In my view, strong measures were taken during PSV development to make sure that there would be no piracy on it. “

“Unfortunately many other aspects were ignored, which Sony has not taken into account apparently. I’d be glad to give details and give examples but as usual, this would in a short receive a firmware update which will lead of course to the error being fixed. So wait until there is a possibility that it can be prevented. ”

 

ps X tools.de: “Do you have unpack/repack tools PSVIMG files.”

SKFU: ”No.”

 

 

ps X tools.de: ”Do you get help from other programmers of the scene?” 

SKFU: ”As always, I work closely with iQD, but also with other developers from PSV Scene.”


 

ps X tools.de: ”Do you intend to publish your exploits in the near future?” 

 

SKFU: “As mentioned above it may not be published until I am certain that it can not be patched. I’m not interested in being in a cat and mouse game like VHBL, that would just be too time consuming.”

 


Source

Well there you have it from SKFU himself along with a few more pictures of his exploit, we will continue to follow up on this story as more details develop. What do you guys think? Are you ready for a native vita hack and/or native homebrew? Let me know in the comments below.

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  1. Slackr’s avatar

    This is the shortest interview ever.

    Reply

    1. RzmmDX’s avatar

      I am more surprised that the first comment wasn’t as short as it usually is..

      Reply

  2. Kefkiroth’s avatar

    So pumped. Now it’s obvious that it’s real. It’s probably best to wait until more homebrew is made before releasing an exploit and so that it’s hard/impossible to patch.

    Reply

  3. vextype-0’s avatar

    hell yeah lets do this as long there is no piracy on vita games were cool vita games are worth it just buy them.

    Reply

    1. ju’s avatar

      Well, only a few, sadly

      Reply

    2. Someone Else’s avatar

      Or even if there was, that’s no reason to avoid a full hack. Plenty of us, myself included, purchase full Vita games and will continue to do so even if there’s a backup option.

      I myself have Silent Hill BoM, Mortal Kombat, Sonic Racing, Assassin’s Creed III, Disgaea 3, Zen Pinball, Retro City Rampage and Sine Mora… All of which I love.

      The only Vita game I regret supporting is Sound Shapes. That simple, cheap, cheesy bull**** with terrible control mechanics that get convoluted with the clinging vs speedup.

      Reply

      1. Yes’s avatar

        The reason to avoid a full hack is to avoid piracy. You’re right that many are buying their games anyway, but there is also a lot of people who dont.

        Reply

        1. fightfrofoolsfastfaupaux’s avatar

          you idiots

          every system hacked = no problems

          psp bad marketing = did bad in the west

          even a 5 year old understands this

          for fucking fucks sake

          Reply

        2. Someone Else’s avatar

          So what? That’s definitely no reason to avoid full speed arcade and n64 emulation. I don’t really care about the backup issue when it comes to arcade games either, since they’re not part of the home market anyway.

          People that will pirate weren’t usually going to buy that game under any circumstance, even without a full hack, so there’s not really “lost revenue”. When someone loves a game enough, they will support it. (Especially rare types of games, like a true “Silent Hill” experience.) I believe this even applies to a majority of “pirates”.

          The only reason to hold off is if it’s easily patchable. (As is the case here.) There’s just no other reason, in my mind, to avoid a full hack.

          Reply

          1. Someone Else’s avatar

            I also want to add that the shovelware FPS games with sparkly graphics, which constantly get pirated, don’t deserve support anyway and it’s good if they die.

            I believe that would encourage more of the truly unique experiences, like SH 1-4. I think fans of this kind of rare high art are abundant. I also think they’ll shell out to support an experience like that *every time*. I know I will, as soon as I can get the cash to throw.

    3. Anonymous’s avatar

      I still hope for a way to fully install your Vita games to the memory card. Not piracy, what I mean is just copy my own game into mt memory stick and not need the cartrige on. Eh but this could fefently lead to piracy.

      Reply

      1. edward sedward’s avatar

        UM unless i misread that do you know you can buy and install full vita games form the store no game card required.

        Reply

    4. RedHawk02’s avatar

      I disagree. I think a full hack will be great. For one, emulators. How many of us still have every single game we’ve ever owned for past systems. My parents threw mine away long ago. I’d like them back and the only way is to download roms. Also, I’d like to play backups of the games I already own. It’s annoying to carry a case full of games and having to put each in. Much easier to just load the iso backup. Also, although a lot of people pirate games, many people, at least the majority people I know who pirate games, pirate in order to play the game before wasting their money on something that may be shit. That’s one reason I get game backups. If I love the game, hell yeah I’m gonna buy it. Supports the company and I get my own copy, nothing better than that. If I hate it, well I’ll just get rid of it and I just saved 40 bucks from supporting a game that should just die.

      Reply

      1. dockotis’s avatar

        @RedHawk02, I agree with you 100%. If a game is good, i definitely support it. Even with old systems. I still got legit psp games and I actually tried that sonic racing game and enjoyed it. I *could* pirate it, but why if I enjoyed it? Hence I’m gonna buy it instead. PoS games however should not cost the amount they try to sell them for, are a waste of money, and there is a good chance you would never want to play them again. Those games, even if pirated, would be deleted to free the much more valuable space.

        True story.

        Reply

  4. Jose’s avatar

    Amen to the last question/answer.

    Reply

  5. wartaf’s avatar

    so no proof yet?

    Reply

  6. rafael707’s avatar

    just a lil late xD

    Reply

    1. rafael707’s avatar

      3 days ago

      Reply

      1. Electric Penis’s avatar

        Nobody gives two flippin’ fucks, you worthless rimjob enthusiast.

        Reply

        1. rafael707’s avatar

          troll elsewere, you nobody..

          Reply

          1. Electric Penis’s avatar

            Feed me more, rafael. My tummy is rumbling with hunger.

        2. Someone Else’s avatar

          LMAO. “Rimjob enthusiast”. I have to admit, that’s funny.

          Reply

          1. rafael707’s avatar

            not as funny as his moms electric penis lulz..

  7. ricerrr’s avatar

    this shouldn’t be release… or give it 2 more years for a release date because Sony will just block it very easily

    Reply

    1. rafael707’s avatar

      seems like skfu is looking for a hardware hack, ie: something like pandora battery which you cant patch, which is a good approach

      Reply

      1. xyzmanas’s avatar

        Hardware?? I don’t think it would be possible on the Vita. Only if possible through a magical game cart :O

        Reply

  8. johnny’s avatar

    Better security than PS3? years to hack? pfffff…….

    Reply

  9. Kyu’s avatar

    On the one hand,Sony doesn’t want homebrew (and piracy I suppose).On the other hand,they always give the shaft to the Vita.

    Reply

    1. kupomogli’s avatar

      @kyu

      So far, Sony has released 17 first party developed or first party funded and published games on the Vita. This isn’t counting games on Playstation Mobile. They’re doing a lot to help the Vita. They can’t force third parties to develop games on their system.

      Reply

  10. Jamie’s avatar

    The only thing that is clear is that SKFU can write Vita software with the Sony SDK using a devkit he probably shouldn’t have. That is hardly “hacking” a system or having an “exploit”.

    Even without revealing the nature of his “exploit”, he could easily explain how he can develop for Vita without the Sony SDK (Where are the “homebrew” libraries he should be using?).

    yifan lu did the sensible thing. He posted a memory dump that he did in fact exploit VITA. SKFU on the other hand has only posted screenshots/videos that show no real proof he has done anything without a devkit/SonySDK.

    Reply

    1. Electric Penis’s avatar

      Finally, someone not sucking on every inch of SKFU’s throbbing meat javelin! Though, in doing so, you’ve made me lose my 80,000 watt erection.

      For that, my friend, I extend to you my middle finger.

      Reply

      1. Someone Else’s avatar

        Tee hee mister Jordam. Tee mutha****** Hee.

        Reply

      2. Kyu’s avatar

        I place my faith in Yifanlu.

        Reply

    2. nero’s avatar

      and what makes you think what ever you say is right?

      Reply

    1. Electric Penis’s avatar

      Really, Luis? So off-topic.
      I’m very disappointed with you, Luis… you’re so rude that you would spam articles with mindless garbage such as this? You need to think about what you’ve done, Luis, as it’s far from okay.

      Reply

    2. Dmaskell92’s avatar

      So does that mean, when the next exploit is out, we can download it from the pc? I don’t have Vita yet, and I was afraid I was going to miss the next exploit. I’m not getting the Vita until the Middle of Feb. This is great news :D

      Reply

    3. Dmaskell92’s avatar

      Does this mean, that one could download the next exploit, directly to pc? That makes me very happy, I was worried I would miss the next exploit while waiting for my Vita. I won’t have it until the middle of Feb. Good News!

      Reply

  11. Dmaskell92’s avatar

    Sorry for double post, that is now a triple. My internet dropped when I hit post, and when I reloaded the first comment was gone…

    Reply

  12. Wrozen’s avatar

    I truly hope this isn’t just another elaborate fake *cough* DjGodman *cough* ;)

    Reply

  13. Tonakai’s avatar

    Great to see confirmation that this wasn’t a false exploit though I didn’t really expect SKFU to fake one. Anyway, it’s great although there’s a long wait incoming.

    Reply

    1. Jamie’s avatar

      Where exactly is the confirmation? All SKFU has shown is some app he wrote using the Sony SDK running on a Test kit, which allows unsigned code.

      Reply

      1. Someone Else’s avatar

        I believe this is real, and he’s reluctant to release “better proof” for the (excellent) reason that anything too explicit might accidentally alert sony and get it patched.

        Reply

      2. vFX’s avatar

        isn’t sdk kit got that fancy looking LED in front?

        Reply

        1. Jd8531’s avatar

          What seems to be shown in the picture are normal Vitas.

          Reply

      3. Jurian’s avatar

        The first two pictures aren’t dev kits. The third is, but I believe it’s there to show the file system.

        Reply

  14. duran’s avatar

    ooh i liked,that is good for all a native hack for ps vita lets see a prominent future good good good ooh i liked.

    Reply

  15. isnizal’s avatar

    what is this??can sameone explain??is this new hack or what..release it at hk ok..

    Reply

  16. aerinas’s avatar

    I bought my Vita at launch, just to try my hand at some homebrew, so yeah, I’m ready for this hack :P

    Reply

  17. super’s avatar

    ” it may not be published until I am certain that it can not be patched. I’m not interested in being in a cat and mouse game like VHBL”

    I couldn’t agree with you more on this..

    We should work together.

    Reply

  18. quetz’s avatar

    he’s concrete, i trust this guy

    Reply

  19. GAIRV’s avatar

    wololo if a native vita hack, could modify the PSVita networks?

    Reply

  20. knux’s avatar

    i’d empty my memory card for this, i wouldn’t care…all i’d need are n64, nes, snes and i’ll be set :D oh, and my GTPSP backup

    Reply

  21. bruno’s avatar

    i prefer if some hacker make a quite job to run psp games again over vhbl. If “we” hack the vita right now we are killing the console. Soon the Sony woll release another console and we are losing our money. For me up to now continuing play psp games is good option.

    Ps. Sorry for my horrible english….

    Reply

    1. silkyskeeter’s avatar

      Sony and the lack of Dev support is already killing the console. Id rather have it hacked and be abe to run homebrew that utilizes the full power of Vita. On the Vita side of things, if it wasnt for the eCFW, I would feel I wasted 600$ (plus 180$ from psp games purchased from PSN) on the mismanaged POS that is Vita ATM. Currently the only games I have for Vita are Gravity Rush, Super Star Dust Delta, Dynasty Warriors (which I regret buying), Motor Storm RC (only because it was free), and Escape Plan (which I regret buying). Before I finally got a hold of an exploit (Uno), all I used my Vita for was NetFlix, Colors!, and YouTube apps.

      I say release it, it cant hurt the Vita more than Sony and the lack of Dev support already is hurting it (and thats WITHOUT piracy). Hell, with the right kinds of homebrew apps, it could actually make more ppl get a Vita.

      Reply

  22. Fred’s avatar

    I think it is time to massively donate to SKFU :)

    Reply

    1. Nope.avi’s avatar

      I would hold off and use my money on other things. There really isn’t enough to proof that this IS real.

      Reply

    2. nCadeRegal’s avatar

      i dont think he needs another cent! The amount of dev units he has for one, and the fact that he sold one, when he should have givin it to wololo, and community who would release what should be released. A cfw that allows full use of vita power for emulation, and homebrews! Wololo would not release a cfw that would allow piracy, or “backups” to be used on the system. I think he has quite a good track record for pursuing the above. Enough said.

      Reply

  23. IgnusArmagadan’s avatar

    I’d gladly give up all my PSN connectivity for a kernel exploit. I’d forget what a firmware update IS lol.

    Reply

    1. Crazycat36’s avatar

      This is not a kernel exploit SKFU has only reached a user-mode exploit so it may be a while before he dips fingers at a kernel-mode exploit

      Reply

  24. hammer’s avatar

    lol if he’s going to wait until the exploit can’t be patched then it will never get released, as no exploit is unpatchable

    Reply

    1. Jd8531’s avatar

      That’s not true, there are exploits that are not patchable
      one of the biggest examples is the Iphone’s Bootrom exploit.

      Reply

      1. hammer’s avatar

        when something is unpatchable chances are its a hardware hack. And releasing any software exploits will not effect future hardware hacks.

        Reply

        1. Someone Else’s avatar

          Unless you’re experienced with actually developing this kind of thing, SKFU knows better than you what it can affect. For example, maybe he’s seeking a way into the hardware, that will need the same exploit game to “get in”. If sony knew this exploit, they could possibly find and destroy that entry point before SKFU can release it.

          Please don’t just pull “facts” out of your ass, trying to contradict those who are actually doing the work and know what they’re talking about.

          Reply

  25. alvin’s avatar

    is this a full hack and not need to buy game to ps store to be exploite like uno?

    Reply

  26. zoraktorok’s avatar

    Well….. its nice to see some progress hit the light of day anyway….

    Reply

  27. Voltrom’s avatar

    Either way with all your guys doubt. He has been hard at work with what he has. And that is a dev console, he is slowly understanding the ins and outs and by having access to the system it is COMPLETELY possible to discover and area of interest for a vulnerability. ie exploit under native Vita OS.

    Obviously he has coded a file manager already! that executes and looks great! i back SKFU 100% this is the begining of what i bought the Vita for. I had no doubt that the vita would be penetrated like a horny school girl within the first year.

    Honestly. It is just a matter of time before he finds something. And when that day comes I cannot wait to dump my images of my games. (Yes, for cartridge less gameplay) and yes (maybe I want to try a game before I buy it) I’ve purchased Assasins Creed 3, Metal Gear HD, and Katamarie. AC & MGS are honestly the best games IMHO. I might just donate just cause.

    I’m excited, Sony. Prepare yourself,, were going in dry.

    Reply

  28. jake’s avatar

    Please Just jailbreak (or whatever you want to call it) the still-virgin PS Vita altogether so we can drag and drop homebrew and PSP stuff onto it. Go big or go home.

    Reply

  29. Blinx14’s avatar

    For those that want psn on ps vita 2.02 or older versions go HERE http://www.psvita-scene.net/psvita/bypass-forced-firmware-update-on-ps-vita/

    Reply

  30. Blinx14’s avatar

    MAKE SURE TO READ EVERYTHING

    Reply

  31. scousetomo’s avatar

    this looks realy cool i dont mind buying vita games id just be happy to have a cfw that allows ps1 and 2 games to be emulated i bought a ps plus and that allows loads of good games free and i buy other titles 2nd hand say 20 quid for black opps at blockbusters ect i just hope if it does open the vita up it doesnt stop developers making new titles just my 2 cents

    Reply

  32. Bscit’s avatar

    I think there should be some sort of poll on whether to agree for the release of cfw on the Vita. Sure you get to play free games but it would also deter companies from releasing/porting games over to the Vita, ultimately killing the Vita, like the PSP. Sure, the PSP had some great games but I believe it could have been better if developers chose to develop more games for the PSP.

    Reply

    1. hammer’s avatar

      I lol when people say the psp was a flop/dead system .with 70 million units sold over 1500 games and still new games being made 8 years into its life cycle. That’s one hell of a flop ,sony would be lucky to have the vita be as dead as the psp

      Reply

      1. silkyskeeter’s avatar

        I wish ppl would stop saying that. Piracy DOES NOT hurt a console. Never has, never will. Just look at the Wii and the PsP (the most hacked and pirated consoles of recent). Those consoles did just fine, saleswise. You know why? Because majority of ppl that pirate either wouldnt have bought it anyway or end up buying the game anyway. Hell PsP, even tho is pirated and hacked all to hell is STILL doing better than PsVita. Sony’s mismanagement insatiability, greed, and lack of 3rd AND first party support is what is killing the Vita (alot faster than piracy EVERY could).

        Reply

  33. criticalmass’s avatar

    I would like more solid evidence, but if we don’t get that because SKFU must preserve his exploit then so be it. I think this is legit, I could see him releasing it this year.

    As far as killing the Vita, please. I think Sony is going to actually make some sort of compelling interplay between the PS4 and Vita, (true remote play, I dream) so they will not give up on the console unless it keeps lagging after PS4′s release. As for developers, I think they all know that games will be pirated and they will lose some money.

    However, they also know there are millions of owners that will never even come to a Vita hacking site, and will buy a quality game. Plus, any developer that is thinking ahead will realize that the Vita does not have a “system selling” game really and that a true “must own” title will sell so much piracy would not affect its financial success.

    Reply

  34. trey’s avatar

    i’m hoping for piracy because i’m pissed that Sony wouldn’t let me cross buy ps all stars to my ps vita. To transfer the game from ps3 to vita i had to log on the ps3′s psn with the vita account and the game had already been downloaded on my brother’s account (even though he doesn’t have a vita). The only way to get the game was on my profile and it couldn’t be redeemed again…f**k you Sony!

    Reply

  35. loverali’s avatar

    Am i ready for it?oh,I’m dying for it.I rally can’t wait for it.I hope it would be out in at most 2 months(just hoping).

    Reply

  36. musashiro’s avatar

    In my opinion, he doesn’t sound so convincing and he doesn’t sound like a “pro”

    I dont think he will release anything.. Better wait for UVL

    Reply

  37. johnny’s avatar

    PS3 like security? man… i post this so i can look here again after 3-4years and say : hey PS Vita is still no hacked. YAY 2017!

    Reply

  38. AyeGuy’s avatar

    Full powered emulators here we come.

    Reply

  39. Darton Staker’s avatar

    I look forward to your hard work DEVS i look to a time where PS VITA is at the top of the market in terms of homebrew, features and exploits to enable further breaching into this great hardware. Thank you all, SKFU keep it up! BIG THUMBS UP

    Reply

  40. jesus’s avatar

    well i want to wait for this in a couple of years when a few good games of vita coming out

    Reply

  41. Aneudi’s avatar

    This is just a vita native user exploit. Imagine a vita native kernel exploit. It would give us more power for emulation than a user exploit

    Reply

  42. Rasheem’s avatar

    No system in history, that I know of, has “died” due to piracy as a result of hacking/unlocking In fact it’s my thoery that user-friendly hacks that allow someone to access thier purchased device without restrictions (as it should be) gives a lot of incentive for one to purchase said device. Also, someone mentioned in one of the comments that those who usually pirate games were never planning to purchase those games anyway which I think is true in most cases. I’ve never heard of anyone who wants and can afford games pirating them.

    Reply

  43. Andy’s avatar

    I’m afraid Dark_AleX has secured the PS Vita… It seems unpenetrateable!

    Reply

  44. altorn’s avatar

    I can donate to SKFU right?
    His comment about the cat&mouse is reassuring. I don’t want to keep downloading and reapplying hacks. i just want a fully hacked vita, playing vita games and psp games.

    Reply

  45. Frank’s avatar

    I completely agree with SKFU. If holding off on the firmware to determine its vulnerabilities, so be it. I personally can’t wait for the Vita to be hacked. I don’t want it for backup vita games, but for the homebrew. I bought my old PSP Slim with CFW in mind. I still bought UMDs of the games I wanted. Granted I usually spent most of my time playing emulators, but my point is, not all “pirates” are actually pirating. I really like my Vita, but once I can play some N64 on the go, I will love it.

    Reply

  46. Jake’s avatar

    ^ then r u pirating N64 games? Jks, but i would love a console that can emulate games from other consoles. It’s too bad tekken 4 is on ps2, i could’ve had the whole collection legall! ;)
    I’m wondering if these exploits are still left in the US store because then people will buy it for homebrew not piracy so in a way sony gets the big bucks for user exploits:D

    Reply

  47. Omnitrix152’s avatar

    Its funny actually when wololo informed me a couple of years ago that davee hacked my PSP 3000 for a downgrade, i was literally over the moon, but now im going to get a vita in august and i don’t see why other people don’t understand this but personally i don’t want the vita to get hacked because Sony will get so pissed off again and then just discontinue it just like they did with the GO in 2011, and what will happen? our money will have gone down the drain.

    Reply

  48. squally2000’s avatar

    skfu is thinking intellegently, why “play” cat n mouse with sony… better play it safe

    Reply

  49. psvitfreak’s avatar

    cant wait for the native hack !! how long until it is released ? take a guess !!

    Reply

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