“Collateral Damage”: New Xbox Exploit Unlocks Hidden Features

Information has surfaced about a new exploit called “Collateral Damage” targeting Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One gaming systems. This tool, crafted by the talented hackers Emma Kirkpatrick and Lander Brandt, unlocks features previously inaccessible in the standard operational mode of these consoles.

“Collateral Damage” is designed for systems with kernel versions 25398.4478, 25398.4908, and 25398.4909, utilizing the Game Script UWP application. Notably, this exploit is not a conventional jailbreak. As Emma explained on the social network X, it grants control over the virtual machine SystemOS, where applications run. Essentially, users gain developer mode-like capabilities without the need for activation.

The developers emphasize that “Collateral Damage” is not intended for piracy. Its primary aim is to offer enthusiasts new avenues for experimentation and creativity on the Xbox platform.

It is worth noting that the initial version of the exploit has its shortcomings. Its functionality relies on exploiting processor side channels and so-called “race conditions,” which may lead to instability. In the event of a failure, the console will merely reboot, without risking permanent damage. Therefore, the developers recommend using the exploit in offline mode to avoid potential issues and possible detection by Microsoft.

Even before the emergence of this exploit, Xbox Series X and S consoles were relatively open to enthusiasts, thanks to the availability of developer mode. Emulators for older gaming systems run successfully on them. Furthermore, recent developments suggest that Microsoft’s current-generation consoles might emulate PlayStation 3 games even before the PlayStation 5 does.

This news comes on the heels of another significant announcement from Microsoft: the company confirmed a price increase for Xbox Game Pass and announced that Console Game Pass will no longer be available for new subscribers.