PSP firmware exploited, Lumines sales skyrocket

The PSP has been hacked, resulting in an insane increase in sales (3,000-14,000%, depending on the time and the source) during the past couple days.

The exploit, which requires a download titled “Illuminati.zip” placed on a PSP compatible memory card, runs a simple “Hello World” program, but will likely allow other homebrew apps to run on the handheld as well. The exploit uses a buffer overflow in the savedata file, similar to the Grand Theft Auto Hot Coffee hack.

The exploit requires a legal copy of the uber fun puzzle game Lumines, distributed by Ubisoft and developed by Q Entertainment, and requires the PSP to be on the English language setting.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for using the exploit by way of N00bz, where the exploit originated and a YouTube video of it in action:

• Check that you have an EU or US version of Lumines (ULES00043 or ULUS10002).
• Extract the contents of the ‘MS_ROOT’ folder from the ZIP file into the top-level of your memory stick. (HINT: If you wind up with an ‘MS_ROOT’ folder on the stick, you’ve done it wrong).
• Start the game, and as soon as it gets to the ‘Press START’ screen, press START. If you wait until the demo has started, the exploit may not work.
• The screen should go blank, and the exploit will start after a few moments. It doesn’t do anything except look pretty at this stage – but feel free to enjoy the first homebrew on your v3.10 – v3.50 PSP Wink

Let’s hope this doesn’t result in the insane negative media attention and lawsuits that followed the infamous Hot Coffee hack. I wonder how many other PSP games can be hacked?

Gamertell of course, officially does not recommend you partake in potentially illegal hacking of your game system. Unofficially… go to it, dude, and let us know how it works for you.

Download [Illminati.zip] Via/Read [N00bz] Also Read [PSPUpdates]