*#REDIRECT [[Homebrew (video games) #PlayStation 2]] ▼'''The [[PS2]] Independence [[Exploit (computer security)|Exploit]]''' allows the execution of [[homebrew (video games)|homebrew programs]] on an unmodified [[PlayStation 2]].
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==Exploit details==
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When a [[PlayStation]] (PS1) game is loaded in the PlayStation 2, the console looks for a file called '''TITLE.DB''' which, if present, is located in the [[Memory card|Memory Card]]'s directory '''BxDATA-SYSTEM''' (where ''x'' is a letter corresponding to the console's region –e.g.: ''E'' for the [[EU]], ''A'' for the [[USA]] or ''I'' for [[Japan]], this directory corresponds to the ''System Settings'' save). This file is a database of special options to be applied to specific PS1 games for their correct operation.
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The exploit relies on creating a deliberately incorrect entry inside this file, which triggers a [[buffer overflow]] and, combined with a small stub loader located in the file, allows the execution of unencrypted code from the Memory Card upon the insertion of a specific PS1 game. Normally, only programs encrypted by Sony, such as the DVD player, will run from the Memory Card.
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The discovery of this vulnerability in the PS2's software opens up the possibility of running programs created by the PS2 homebrew developer community without the need for a [[modchip]] or disc swapping techniques (e.g. ''CogSwap or Swap Magic'').
===Installation===
Triggering the exploit requires a way of installing the modified files to the Memory Card, which is not possible by normal means.
Installation is accomplished either from a console (modified or with the exploit already installed), a Memory Card reader/writer, a disc swapping technique or through the use of some commercial programs allowing USB flash drive to Memory Card transferences, such as Code Breaker (versions 8 and higher) or Action Replay MAX, by transferring a modified ''System Settings'' save file.
Alternatively a more involved method can be used, through the combination of a hard disk loader program ([[HD Loader]]/[[HD Advance]]), an [[ISO image]] installer program for PS2 (such as WinHiip), and an image of some program allowing installation (such as Ubergeek's Exploit Installer http://sksapps.com/index.php?page=exploitinstaller.html)
==Benefits==
With the exploit installed, the user is able to run programs from Memory Cards, optical discs, network or USB flash drives.
Programs are found in the [[Executable and Linkable Format|ELF]] executable format.
Popular programs include media players, Memory Card/hard disk management tools, [[emulator]]s, and loaders (able to launch other programs).
==The exploit on newer consoles==
The PS2 Independence Exploit does not work on newer Slim (V12) models (see [[PlayStation 2#Hardware revisions|PlayStation 2: Hardware revisions]]), since the buffer overflow has been corrected, although there are alternatives [http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/337567].
==See also==
▲*[[Homebrew (video games)]]
*[[SNES-Station]]
*[[PGen]]
==External links==
*[http://sksapps.com SKS Apps] - Huge ELF Repository
*[http://ps2-scene.org PS2-Scene] - The original and largest community PS2 orientated website. Largely a discussion forum.
*[http://www.ps2savetools.com PS2 Save Tools] - Save game editor and related tools.
*There are many lists of known PS2 ELFs online e.g.: [http://www.exploitstation.com/files/elfs.html at ExploitStation].
*[http://www.afterdawn.com Afterdawn] - Tutorials and forums.
[[Category:PlayStation 2]]
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