Sony pays modder $50,000 for AI-found PS5 exploit

Sony paid a $50,000 reward to a modder named Jordy for reporting a critical PS5 exploit through its security disclosure process, reports say. Jordy used generative AI to identify the vulnerability, which affected firmware versions 13.60 through 14.00. The flaw was located in the console's hypervisor and could have allowed kernel-level code execution, including running Linux on the hardware.

The vulnerability was previously discovered in 2025 by security engineer Andy Nguyen, also known as TheFloW. Nguyen reportedly planned to keep the exploit secret so players could run Linux while still updating their consoles to play Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19. Following the report, Nguyen announced on September 16 that he is leaving the PS5 scene, which includes canceling planned PS5 Pro support for 2027.

A recent firmware update addressed the issue. PS5 owners who want to run Linux must now choose between staying on older firmware or updating their consoles to play Grand Theft Auto 6. While some enthusiasts are continuing Linux development on older firmware, Jordy stated he reported the flaw to claim the reward due to his mother's terminal illness. Community members reportedly raised more than $37,000 as an alternative bounty if the vulnerability had remained undisclosed.