ESP8266, the cheap device that’s a PS4 hacking match made in heaven
Since the recent PS4 exploits have been released for firmware 4.05 and 4.55, hackers all around the world have been busy porting the exploit hosting functionality to a variety of devices. The recent PS4 hacks require tinkerers to access a url to run the exploit. This can be done through a variety of ways, but works best when served from your own local device (typically, a PC, or an Android phone).
A tiny device is emerging as the new champion to replace your PC for hacking the PS4 though: the ESP8266. The ESP8266 is a tiny electronic module, typically aimed at DIY developers, that ships with basic Wifi functionality.
In theory, it’s not super useful on its own and is better used for DIYers working on electronic projects. But in the case of PS4 hacks, the device is perfect: loaded with the PS4 exploit payloads, it can act as a fake Wifi router for your PS4, that will instantly run the exploit for you. On top of that, its power needs are entirely fulfilled by the PS4’s usb port.
In other words, the ESP8266 can act as a perfect self contained loader for your PS4 exploit, with no need for a PC, or any internet connection. And, perhaps more importantly, you can find it on pretty much any retailer for just a few bucks.
Multiple PS4 scene tinkerers have already started using the device and keep praising its benefits (mine is still being shipped as I type this). Some of the device’s limitations are actually a strength in the case of PS4 hacks: for example, the device is not an actual Wifi Router, meaning there’s no risk your console would connect to the internet to download any unwanted update. And obviously, it’s fully re-flashable to update with the latest versions of the payloads whenever needed. The developer outlines more benefits:
Benefits of using esp-host
- extremely low cost hardware , available worldwide
- ability to run 24/7 via usb, self-hosted payloads, no external apps or programs required.
- includes stable payloads, no memory errors or reloading pages.
- completely block all updates
- no need for custom dns server or settings, features automatic redirect.
- easy to program and update via usb
- very low power consumption
Below is a video from user Gabs73 showing the device in action:
Developer Codworth has ported the 4.xx payloads to the esp8266, and gives detailed explanations on how to install and run the payloads through this tiny devices. (Side note: fingers crossed that he eventually provides the actual changes he’s made to compile the payloads for the device…)
Youtube user sthetix has a great tutorial for those who want to give it a try:
Long term, we could imagine additional mods of the device, or cases to have the device integrate more nicely with the PS4 🙂
Where can I get an ESP8266?
There are multiple versions of the esp8266, and Codworth says any version with 4MB of flash memory (or more will work). Hint: it seems most of these ship with 4MB by design, but the developer recommends this model or that one.
Download and run the PS4 Payloads for ESP8266 (esphost)
You can download the payloads from the developer’s github here. On the same page, the developer gives details on how to flash the payload onto the ESP8266, reproduced below:
Requirements:
-esptool.py https://github.com/espressif/esptool
-ESP8266 Module with at least 4M flash
-Firmware 4.55 or 4.05
-esphost.bin or esphostmulti.bin or esphostmulti405.binPayloads included in esphost.bin
-VORTEX HEN 1.4
Payloads included in esphostmulti.bin
– HEN (stable)
– HEN+VR (stable)
– FTP (stable)
– DUMPER (stable)
– BACKUP (stable)https://github.com/pearlxcore/ps4-playground-455
Instructions:
Flash esp host using the following command:
sudo esptool.py –port /dev/ttyUSB0 write_flash 0x00000 ./esphostmulti.bin
-after flashing completes, connect to “PS4-WIFI” using “easy setting” then go to [Settings] > [User Guide]
-NOTE: windows users must use the appropriate com port when flashing with esptool.py
-NOTE2: users can optionally flash using the GUI version of esptool https://github.com/Rodmg/esptool-gui
Update (3/27/2018): developer cracker kindly let me know that he’s provided similar code back in February, you can find the topic here, and his code here. 4.55 port by 5u770n here.
Source: Codworth via logic-sunrise
Yes, I am first. But that’s not a big deal.
Good day!
Is the PS4 Pro worth it for hacking and Homebrews? or is the Slim enough for this purpose
Both will do exactly the same thing in terms of hacking and homebrew.
first of all … is it a usb uart module ?
ifso it could lead to a modchip
instead a wifi vita dongle dubbed cobra
Nope, its a dev board hosting the exploit. The usb connection the the ps4 just powers it
thirst!
first!
All your h4x0rs devices belongs to me.
damn, what a fail!
EPIC fail! 😛
Double fail.
1) For thinking being first is even meaningful
2) For failing at something so pointless.
I see no point in buying this.
– extremely low cost hardware: DNS cost 0$ to the user… Better.
– available worldwide: same as DNS
– ability to run 24/7: same as DNS
– self-hosted payloads, no external apps or programs required: same as DNS
– includes stable payloads, no memory errors or reloads: reloads and memory errors don’t depends by the source, but by the exploits… I got memory errors even with my localhosts (steamlink, pc, phone)…. So same as DNS.
– completely block all updates: same as DNS
– no need for custom dns server or settings: oh …. What a big bother insert 12 digits -.-“.
– easy to program and update via usb: DNS doesn’t need to be programmed or updated
– very low power consumption: DNS got 0 power consumption.
So, except for people living in the fourth world without an internet connection, this is basically useless.
I’m amazed at how clueless you are
I totally agree with you, completely useless.
It is indeed useless. I imagine only worthwhile (asides from “media outlets” such as Wololo that have to try everything) if your IQ is below a cockroach and cannot host your own server for loading the payload or whatever it is that the hack requires. I’ve seen some people saying “DUR DUR that is very hard DUUR DUUR”.
> self-hosted payloads, no external apps or programs required: same as DNS
Oh so you can host files on a DNS server? Are you talking about the upcoming DNS 2.0? Please elaborate with your immeasurable knowledge about DNS. /s
Wololo did not own an esp before!?
Super disappointed 😉
Thanks, ordered!
for anyone with a 3d printer :
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2793531
that gives me idea to use my esp modules as PS3Xploit web server. why i didnt think that b4. Thanks for the tip 😉
So what about firmware 5.xx
i wonder if you could use this to make a similar setup for something like PS3Xploit
Nice article thanks I finally decided to pull the trigger on getting a PS4 Pro with 4.55 guyand can’t wait till gets here next week. I’m super happy and going to order the ESP device after work hopefully their is enough support for the pro out there.
its posible use a Router with Openwrt + apache.?
I would suggest lighttpd instead of apache, but yeah, you simply need to host a webpage and few KB of Javascript. And on Openwrt you have dnmasq out of the box, so you can hijack Sony URLs and use the “open manual” way to launch the exploit…
If your a noob to the development scene, would you recommend this, or is it simple to figure out with a little research?
Looking forward to ESP32 Version
GitHub.com/5u770n
Should be easily ported to esp32. Might even work straight off the bat. Ive not got one to test
Wow!Thanks~ I will give it a try during good Friday break~
Any chance to run this bin in a esp32? I have one but original bin does not work :/.
Is the PS4 Pro worth it for hacking and Homebrews? or is the Slim enough for this purpose
Hello guys i’m totally new here even cant understand about this thing. I’m at 5.01 version sorry if i’m wrong is this useless for me or can i downgrade my ps4 firmware with this ? Thanks
Hello guys i’m totally new here even cant understand about this thing. I’m at 5.01 version sorry if i’m wrong is this useless for me or can i downgrade my ps4 firmware with this ? Thanks
You can purchase this for $10 or less in Indonesia. Ready to play and everything
and you can get a real programable router with 10 in china.
“includes stable payloads, no memory errors or reloading pages.”
odd I have tried multiple way of hosting the payload used my android\Iphone tried to host locally through my PC and even tried multiple online hosts but all of em gives me a memory error since I updated to 4.55 what makes this device so special that all the other ways of doing it fails in comparison
you
IDK. It’s jus a Dev board but I jus it’s like some Android work different do to software and hardware same for PC.
I wonder how many people own a ps4 but not and android/iphone/pc…… first world toys i guess, why, because i can, even though most have several other as simple solutions…..
I have a box full of these, my problem now is that my PS4 is at 4.75 buaaaa
Annoucing dubbed ps4-pcsx3 contributed to the great works
any tutorial for using this not on ps4 hen but on ps3 han (ps3xploit)?
ill have a bash at it IF i get the time
Is there a difference with the model version. Or does it have to be a certain model.
Cool! What is this about?
i got ps4 470 formated it no user account cant use web is there a way to make account or use this ESP8266 would work with out account
So any 5.05 port yet?. Any chance of running project mira on this or is it for hen only?