freeBOOT v0.02 - runs unsigned XEX and more! Homebrew XDK!

December 2nd, 2009, 00:19 Posted By: wraggster

Massive news for the Xbox 360 Homebrew Scene, heres the full sp:

Ikari360 released a new version of freeBOOT. This new version of the 'rebooter' will launch right into a patched version the latest MS dash (8955) and will now also work on Zephyr and Jasper-16mb motherboards (next to the original support for Xenon and Falcon).
But the even bigger news in this v0.02 is that the kernel is patched! No more XEX signature checks, LIVE/PIRS signature checks and Harddisk authentication ... which basically makes homebrew XDK possible on retail Xbox 360! And this should also allow you to patch existing signed XEXs with any (region, media etc) flags you want.

freeBOOT must be installed on a 2nd 'NAND' ... but next to Cygnos360 v2 support, it will now also work with Cygnos360 v1 and the (homebrew) xD-card mod!
But of course, this still requires the JTAG hack, so it's only possible on (pre ~June 2009) Xbox360 consoles where the onboard NAND has never been updated (via any normal MS procedure) to 849x (July 09) or newer. If you updated to anything over 7371, your 2BL (bootloader) has been updated (which won't allow a non paired image to boot into 4548) and CB-fuse inside the CPU burned, so the JTAG hack won't work anymore and there's no way to downgrade for now.
However if you're still on 7371 (or anything lower), you can now 'reboot' that console into a patched 8955. Your onboard NAND stays untouched on 7371 and freeBOOT/XeLL/patched-8955 are located on the 2nd NAND. The fuses are no problem either as freeBOOT will use 'virtual fuses' to launch 8955.
For new systems and refurbs things can be a bit more complicated, some still have 7363/7371 or lower but already have the new bootloader that fixed the JTAG hack, I dont think there's a way to know for sure without first dumping your NAND and check your CB-version. For new systems, certainly try to get one produced before June 2009.
It's called a 'rebooter' because it uses the JTAG hack to boot your console into XeLL and from there it 'reboots' your console into the patched 8955 kernel.

From the readme:

freeBOOT is a rebooter for the Microsoft Xbox 360. This version of freeBOOT allows you to reboot into kernel 2.0.8955 on all Xenon, Zephyr, Falcon, and Jasper consoles with 16MB flashes, which are vulnerable to the JTAG hack.
Support for Opus and Jasper consoles with larger flashes will follow soon.
As freeBOOT needs a second flash memory to store kernel 2.0.8955 and associated data, either a Cygnos360 or an xD card mod is required at the moment.

Bug Fixes
* Harddisk installation and save game/profile issues have been fixed

New Features
* updated to kernel 8955
* additional support for Zephyr and Jasper consoles with 16MB flashes
* support for xD card mod and Cygnos360 V1 added
* Harddisk authentication disabled
The Xbox 360 will now accept any SATA harddisk.
* removed XEX signature checks
Execution of unsigned devkit and retail XEXes is now possible. Encrypted devkit XEXes must be decrypted with XexTool(info)(info) prior to use.
* removed LIVE/PIRS signature checks
The dashboard will now run applications from unsigned LIVE/PIRS containers.
* extendable patch system
Researchers/hackers can now try new patches easily. Please refer to "src\patches_kernel_8955.S" for more information.

What's Next
* support for Opus consoles and Jasper consoles with large flashes
* further removal of security system restrictions
* easier build process

Credits
My gratitude goes to all those who helped me get this new release done.

Xoxide posted a video of freeBOOT v0.02, his Xbox360 'rebooting' into a patched 8955 kernel and booting up MAME360 (which was written and leaked long time ago, but could only run on devkits until now) and a homebrew Launcher:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXhFb...layer_embedded


http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/...pABAegQKdv.php

Awesome news, maybe now a real 360 Homebrew scene is here at last

There are 0 comments - Join In and Discuss Here