Hackers Release Critical LVo Decryption Key for Sony PlayStation 3

By Karla Robinson
October 26, 2012

Sony has continually discouraged the use of custom firmware on its PlayStation 3, but the company could have a harder time enforcing its proprietary system after hackers published a critical cryptographic key.
“The so-called LV0 key, released by a crew calling itself ‘The Three Musketeers,’ grants access to one of the most sensitive parts of the PS3,” Ars Technica writes.
“Its availability should make it easier for hackers and modders to work around restrictions Sony places on the console. The key can be used to decrypt future security updates Sony issues for the console and to incorporate those changes into custom firmware packages not authorized by the Japanese company.”
The hackers had supposedly cracked the key a while back, but only recently published it because they feared another hacker group was using their work to build and sell its own firmware.
“It remains unclear just how damaging the key’s release will be to Sony’s attempts to stop the running of pirated games and other types of unauthorized software on the PS3,” explains Ars Technica.
“[Sony’s] going to have to depend on obfuscation as [its] primary security measure to keep people from decrypting [its] updates,” suggests Nate Lawson, a cryptographer at Root Labs. “It’s a cat-and-mouse game that’s now more closely in the favor of the attackers. But Sony has plenty of things they can still do. It’s just another link in the chain.”

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