Sony Rolls Out PS5 Security Update Following the Release of Relapse Jailbreak

Sony has moved to protect PlayStation 5 consoles with its latest system software update, as the newly released Relapse jailbreak draws attention to a broad set of older PS5 firmware versions.

The update matters for console owners because the public Relapse exploit supports PS5 and PS5 Pro systems running firmware versions 7.00 through 13.60, allowing unsigned code to run on compatible devices.

Sony released its firmware 14.00 update before Relapse became public, rather than directly after. However, the timing has made the difference clear: PS5 consoles that have installed firmware 14.00 are outside Relapse’s stated supported range.

PS5 Security Update

Sony has not publicly described specific Relapse fixes on its consumer update page, but it says PS5 system software updates include security updates needed for the console to work properly and strongly recommends installing them quickly.

Relapse was published as an exploit chain for PS5 firmware 7.00 to 13.60. It works on both the original PS5 and PS5 Pro models within that version range.

According to the project’s GitHub documentation, the jailbreak first targets the console browser through a WebKit weakness, then uses a kernel-level flaw to gain read and write access to the system. This level of access can allow compatible homebrew tools and other unsigned payloads to run on the console.

The exploit is not a permanent jailbreak. Relapse is tethered, meaning users must run the exploit again after every PS5 restart. Its developers also warn that the browser stage may require several attempts and that the kernel stage can freeze or crash the console.

The project itself lists risks including system instability, data loss, and PlayStation Network account bans. It also states that the software is intended only for education and security research, and does not support piracy or unauthorized use.

For everyday PS5 owners, updating remains the safer path. A console on the latest supported system software receives Sony’s current security protections, feature changes, and better compatibility with games and PlayStation services.

Sony warns that users may be unable to use some apps or content without updating system software. It also cautions against installing update files from unofficial sources or on altered consoles, as this can cause the system to stop working correctly and may affect warranty or repair support.

PS5 users can check for an update by opening Settings, selecting System, then choosing System Software and System Software Update and Settings. If an update is available, users can select “Update System Software” to begin installation.

Sony also supports automatic downloads and USB-based updates for consoles that cannot complete a normal download. For USB updates, the company requires a FAT32 or exFAT drive with a PS5/UPDATE folder structure and the official update file saved as PS5UPDATE.PUP.

The Relapse release shows why console firmware remains a key security boundary. A browser flaw alone is serious, but combining it with kernel access can weaken the controls designed to prevent unapproved code from running.

Firmware 14.00 creates a practical dividing line for now: systems on 7.00 through 13.60 may be exposed to the Relapse chain, while consoles already updated to 14.00 do not fall within the jailbreak’s published compatibility range.

Since Sony does not provide an official way to downgrade PS5 system software, users who update cannot simply roll back to a vulnerable release.

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