Nintendo Switch Hacked Already? Known Webkit Vulnerability Exploited!

Hey there, reader! Have you heard the latest buzz about the Nintendo Switch? It seems like the console, fresh off its launch, has already caught the attention of hackers. And not just any hackersโ€”renowned names in the scene are jumping in. Let me walk you through it all!

Just days after the Switch hit the market, hacker qwertyoruiopโ€”famous for jailbreaking multiple iOS versions and contributing to the PS4 1.76 jailbreakโ€”shared a screenshot of what looks like a Webkit exploit running on the Nintendo Switch. Yes, the browser you canโ€™t officially access appears to be harboring some outdated vulnerabilities, and hackers wasted no time taking advantage of them.

Update (12th March 2017): A proof of concept confirming the exploit has been released by another developer.

Whatโ€™s the Exploit About?

Hereโ€™s the scoop: according to qwertyoruiop, all he had to do was tweak his existing iOS Webkit jailbreak exploit (yes, the same jailbreakMe exploit!) by removing iOS-specific code. The screenshot he shared even hints at its origins, with mentions of iOS and Pangu. While thereโ€™s no public release yet, qwertyoruiopโ€™s reputation lends significant credibility to the claim.

Think about itโ€”this might actually be one of those rare times when finding a hack for a console is easier than getting your hands on the console itself!

This revelation raises some eyebrows about Nintendoโ€™s approach to the Switch launch. Did they rush it? Shipping a product with a known Webkit vulnerability seems like a glaring oversight, especially when hackers were bound to dive into its hidden browser right out of the gate.

For those interested in testing qwertyoruiopโ€™s claims (and have the right skillsโ€”sorry, Liam Neeson, we mean coders here!), the exploit code is reportedly available online.

Digging Deeper Into the Switchโ€™s OS

Hackers are already examining the Switchโ€™s internals. Qwertyoruiop noted that the systemโ€™s syscalls donโ€™t seem FreeBSD-based, aligning with earlier comments from hacker Plutoo. This suggests that the Switchโ€™s OS might be a refined version of the 3DS OS code, though it likely borrows elements from the FreeBSD kernel.

In simpler terms, the Switch seems to be a blend of old and new, which could explain why hackers were so quick to find a vulnerability.

What Does This Mean for You?

Before you get too excited, let me clarifyโ€”this isnโ€™t groundbreaking news for everyday users yet. The exploit is only a userland hack, meaning it might allow unsigned code to run, but hackers are still chasing the bigger fish: kernel access. Thatโ€™s where the real magic happens, unlocking potential for homebrew applications and more.

For now, thereโ€™s nothing for end-users to download or try. Plus, knowing Nintendo, theyโ€™re likely already working on a firmware update to patch this vulnerability. If youโ€™re someone whoโ€™s hoping to hack their Switch eventually, the golden rule applies: stay on a lower firmware and donโ€™t update just yet.


Itโ€™s fascinating how quickly the hacking community has jumped into the Nintendo Switch, exposing vulnerabilities within days of its release. Whether youโ€™re rooting for homebrew or just watching from the sidelines, this is only the beginning. If anything more develops, you can count on me to keep you updated.

What are your thoughts on this? Did Nintendo drop the ball, or is this just par for the course in the world of gaming hardware? Let me knowโ€”I love hearing from you!

Source: qwertyoruiop

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