] Did Sony add a rootkit to PS3 firmware update?

[Peaches]

Did Sony add a rootkit to PS3 firmware update?

Gamers on a forum accuse Sony of adding a rootkit to its latest version of PlayStation 3 firmware.

Rootkits, in general, have a bad reputation. Security watchers often associate them with malware. In this case specifically, though, the alleged rootkit would allow Sony to peer into users' system files without their knowledge.

A user dubbed N.A., who first mentioned the alleged rootkit last week on the Neogaf forum and cited work performed by developer Mathieulh, alleged that a rootkit in firmware version 3.56 allows Sony to "remotely execute code on the PS3" when users connect to the PlayStation Network. Mathieulh informed people over Internet Relay Chat that the alleged rootkit can be used by Sony for "verifying system files or searching for homebrew." It might also be used as a way to ensure users on the PlayStation Network are using Sony's own firmware.

http://news.cnet.com/security/

[Peaches]

Sony PS3 rootkit rumours rubbished

Uh, check the several-years-old small print yeah

By John Leyden

Suggestions that Sony has added a rootkit with the latest firmware update to its PS3 console have been denounced as bunkum by a leading gaming security expert. Rumours began flying on the interwebs earlier this week that the official 3.56 firmware upgrade for Sony's consoles gave the consumer electronics giant the ability to execute code on the PS3 as soon as a user goes online.

"It's been known for a while that a networked PS3 will contact Sony servers at start up (whether it has an active PlayStation network account on it or not), which performs various tasks related to error logs, updates and other activities," Boyd (aka Paperghost) told El Reg.

Anyone using a PS3 agrees in the terms of service to allow their console to perform these tasks.

Details here: http://www.theregist...3_rootkit_hype/

More here as well: http://news.cnet.com...0030353-17.html